assessment for AS/HFA

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Hey. I'm going to be assessed for AS/HFA quite soon and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the assessment 'normally' involves (I realise it probably differs depending on area, assessor, age, etc).

Any details like how long might it last, what kind of things does it involve, are you allowed to take people other than your parents (mine aren't particularly understanding), etc would be much appreciated.

My evaluator used two criteria on me---the DSM-IV and the Gillberg. I was diagnosed as having AS based on those two. It took one hour---but I had prepared an eleven page history of myself for my childhood up to my current age of 44. He said that helped tremendously. Actually, a lot of people take written stuff with them on their life. It saves having to try to talk about all the issues in life.

Basically, he read through my paper. Then he would ask me questions to further elaborate on some of those things I had written. Then, he took out the two sets of criteria and worked through it telling me each part of them to see it I met them. I was able to communicate with him during this process to clear up any issues he wanted clarified.

I found it a pleasant experience because my evaluator has this friendly manner about him that put me at ease. He is also my therapist.

There is nothing to be afraid of in this experience. I learned a lot about myself in it.

I got my diagnosis after a series of cognitive tests: reproducing a pattern with blocks; two pictures of a 3d shape and the question of whether they're of the same shape from a different angle; working memory tests like reciting a list of numbers; vocabulary and comprehension tests as lifted from SATs or the 11-plus; and a fine-motor control test (that is to say, timed handwriting!). Basically an examination set by dadists. It was one-on-one and chatty, so I suspect that they also factor in their personal assessment of you into the test scores.

Hey glider18 I had a very similar experience, although mine was over 3 1-hour appointments rather than one visit, but I didn't have a written life-history, and in retrospect that's a brilliant idea because I had to do it verbally (and I don't tend to speak to people much) it takes longer!

She went through the DSM-IV with me and we found that it did indeed match up to who I am.

After diagnosis she wrote up a kinda mini-synopsis of my life and the various things that strike her as 'Aspie': hypersensitivity for example, she went through this report/diagnosis with me before it was typed up, to make sure I was happy enough with what she'd written which I was.

I was sent a copy and the other copy went to my GP, so I suppose that's now in my medical records....

I saw a Clinical psychologist, and she was very nice I didn't feel intimidated or that I was being analysed, so I was comfortable enough, I just didn't really enjoy having to recall my childhood and life, it's very personal stuff I don't like sharing with relative strangers....

Best of luck with your diagnosis, and I hope you find what you're looking for from it.