Essential Tips for Preparing for an Autism Assessment
Embarking on the process of an autism assessment can be both daunting and enlightening. Ensuring you are as prepared as possible is crucial to achieving the best outcomes. This guide offers practical steps and advice to help you navigate this journey.
Before the Assessment
Preparing for an autism assessment involves gathering knowledge, reflecting on personal experiences, and organizing your thoughts effectively. Here are some essential steps to follow:
Learn More About Signs of Autism
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the diagnostic criteria for autism in the DSM-V. Additionally, explore criteria suggested by autistic individuals and articles written by these experts. This firsthand perspective can provide valuable insight into the lived experience of autism. Consider consulting with autistic bloggers who offer a more relatable and detailed understanding of daily life with autism.
Make a comprehensive list of relevant signs and criteria. This preparation will help you to anticipate questions and provide more accurate responses. This list can also include personal anecdotes, which can be particularly helpful when discussing specific behaviors related to autism criteria.
Reflect on Your Life Experiences
Go through your list and think of anecdotes that illustrate these criteria. For example, if there is a criterion related to stereotypic behaviors, a short story about a time when you engaged in repetitive motions or vocalizations might be helpful. Writing down these anecdotes can provide evidence and support for your responses during the assessment.
Take Online Autism Assessments
Participate in online autism assessments such as the RAADS-R, AQ, and Short Autism Screening test. While these assessments are not official, they can help you identify potential autistic traits and gauge your place on the spectrum. Print out your responses and highlight your answers for the specialist to reference during the assessment. This not only supports your arguments but also provides a clear and structured framework for discussion.
Address Fears and Difficult Feelings
It's normal to feel nervous, anxious, or worried before an autism evaluation. Many people, regardless of whether they have clear signs of autism, fear that they won't be taken seriously. Common fears may include concerns about the accuracy of the diagnosis or fear of not fitting the stereotype of what it means to be autistic.
Talk to a trusted loved one about these feelings if needed. Engaging in these discussions can help alleviate anxiety and provide emotional support. Taking the time to address these fears is an important part of preparation.
Care for Yourself
Ensure you are in the best possible physical and mental state before the assessment. Indulge in activities that you enjoy, such as your special interests, good music, or spending time with friends or pets. These activities can help you feel more relaxed and ready for the conversation. If you are prone to anxiety, bringing comfort items or self-soothing tools is recommended.
Dress appropriately for the assessment. Assume it will take several hours, so wear comfortable clothing. Be prepared for varying temperatures and bring appropriate items to help you self-soothe. Trust your own comfort over the environment's demands.
During and After the Assessment
The assessment itself and the follow-up steps are equally important. Here are some tips to guide you through this process:
Note Your Fears
Talk openly with the psychologist about any fears or concerns you may have. It's perfectly acceptable to express feelings of nervousness. Sharing your worries can help establish a trusting relationship and make the assessment more productive. Some examples of things you might say include: "I am worried about the diagnosis process. What if the results are inaccurate?"
Stay True to Yourself
Be yourself during the assessment. You can stim if that helps you and dress in a way that feels comfortable to you. It's okay to have traits that do not strictly align with the stereotype of autism, such as using gestures or having the ability to carry on a conversation. Acknowledge these aspects and do not feel the need to hold back or hide them.
Discuss Co-Occurring Conditions
The psychologist might also screen for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, sensory processing disorder, or other mental or physical illnesses. If you have concerns or if symptoms suggest the possibility of these conditions, it's important to discuss them openly.
Talk About Confusion or Misdiagnosis
Be proactive in expressing any doubts or concerns about the diagnosis. If you feel that you may be being misdiagnosed, or if there are uncertainties in the process, communicate openly and assertively to the psychologist. For example, if you are unsure of the diagnosis, you could say: "I am not entirely sure if the diagnosis fits, what do you think about my symptoms? I found them to be quite different from what I expected."
Explore Accommodations
Discuss the possibility of accommodations, especially if you have been diagnosed or are undergoing further evaluation. Accommodations can include having a note-taker during lectures, taking tests in a quiet room, or having access to stim toys in a classroom setting. In the workplace, these accommodations are often encouraged.
Process the Results Thoughtfully
Give yourself time to process the results and adjust to new information. Recognize that a diagnosis does not define you, and that there is room for error even among professionals. If you are given a misdiagnosis or if the assessment process was unsatisfactory, it's important to address these issues openly with the psychologist.
Remember Your Worth
No matter the outcome, remember that you are a valuable and unique individual. Autistic or not, you still have the potential to make meaningful contributions to the world. Embrace your identity and own your experiences.
By following these tips, you can approach an autism assessment with confidence and prepare for the process in a thoughtful and structured manner. Whether or not you receive a diagnosis, you are a good person with a valuable contribution to society.