Autism Diagnosis — Scope | Disability forum
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Autism Diagnosis

sceneparade
sceneparade Community member Posts: 93 Courageous
edited July 2019 in Autism and neurodiversity
I went for an ADOS assessment and passed. What does it mean to pass the assessment?

Comments

  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @sceneparade, passing the assessment means a diagnosis of Autism will not be given. However, this is only one diagnostic test and if you disagree with the decision it is possible to request a different kind of assessment. I hope this helps :)
    Scope

  • sceneparade
    sceneparade Community member Posts: 93 Courageous
    @Chloe_Scope - That is what I thought. However, they stuck with the diagnosis and refuse to budge. The diagnosis was based on history. They stated that if I didn't go for the ADOS they had enough evidence to diagnose ASD.

    On the contrary, when I did perform the ADOS activities they specialist carrying the assessment with her PhD student both conferred they didn't think I had the diagnosis. I have since seen other psychologists who didn't agree with the validity of the assessment. Even past and current psychiatrists and GPs don't agree. They think I communicate normally, as demonstrated by passing the ADOS assessment. 

    Can you still have ASD if you pass the ADOS assessment? 

    My problem is that second opinion psychiatrist keeps with the diagnosis based on the history (which wasn't accurate) and not ADOS. 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @sceneparade, I understand from this that you do not believe you have Autism? 

    It is possible to still have ASD and pass the ADOS as this is only one form of assessment and doesn't account for all symptoms.

    Was the history accurate? I also was wondering if you had a follow up appointment which would allow you to discuss the diagnosis?

    I am linking the National Autistic Society which may give you further information. They also have a helpline on 0808 800 4104 if you felt discussing this through with someone would help :)
    Scope

  • sceneparade
    sceneparade Community member Posts: 93 Courageous
    Well I can only go by the assessment report. 

    Firstly, the Dr states I was emotionally flat (I have depression diagnosis which would include flat affect at times), but in the next paragraph states that people who know me said they can read my facial expressions, body language etc., which moves away from the definition of emotionally flat. In addition, the Dr states that I looked surprised about the ASD assessment. If I had facial expression that shows emotion (in this case surprise), again that isn't emotionally flat. 

    Secondly, she said I had a family history of ASD because my sister-in-laws children have the diagnosis. However, I pointed out in the assessment that this isn't the case because my sister-in-law has three children, two of them with my brother and one with a previous partner and all three have the diagnosis of ASD. in addition, I said that her children were under the care of GOSH who done blood tests and found the genetic deletion was on sister-in-laws side of the family. When this was pointed out, the Dr moved the goal posts (observations appear to show ego being bruised) and stated there was environmental factors. She then went and included family history in the assessment report, in contrast to the stated facts. I believe this erroneous family history is what is influencing the second opinion Dr. The second opinion wasn't completely in agreement with the original diagnosis because she said 'he probably does have ASD' according to my GP who spoke to second opinion Dr. 

    There were other errors in the report, which I highlighted with a highlighter, but no-one will give me a face-to-face to explain these. I feel its because they know I will prove them wrong. 

    I have been told my MANY professionals that I am VERY good at reading other people. I was in IPTS and they said to me that I was very good at reading others because it was a defence I learned during childhood to anticipate neglect and abuse and an unpredictable environment. The point I have is if I am able to read others facial expressions, body language, gestures, tone of voice, sarcasm etc. then surely I cannot have it.

    My GP wants to refer me to the Lorna Wing Centre for ASD. However, to support an accurate diagnosis I need the ADOS assessment report, which the Maudsley hospital and the consulting psychiatrist doesn't seem willing to release. My GP has contacted them four times in the last month for the report and they have ignored the requests (irony is they ignore my GP and don't even acknowledge his communications and yet diagnose me with ASD when they are exhibiting one of the same behaviours). 

    I saw a private Dr who is also a lecturer at the University of Birmingham and his remarks about he diagnosis was 'it does sound a bit strange'. I have had similar comments from psychologists, one of whom was my therapist for 16 weeks. His remark was 'I can understand why you want a second opinion', meaning he doesn't agree with the ASD diagnosis. He requested a second opinion about an SPD diagnosis confirmation and he told me they agree with him that it is, in fact, a SPD diagnosis. 





  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @sceneparade, I understand this must be stressful and upsetting for you. Unfortunately I am not a medical professional so it's impossible for me to say if you should have been given the diagnosis or not.

    There does seem to be a lot of different people involved and I appreciate this makes it more complicated!

    It may be worth seeking some personalised advice from the National Autistic Society helpline on 0808 800 4104, they may be able to advise you on the next steps to take.

    I really hope things do get sorted. If the community is able to help you with anything else then please do let us know! :)
    Scope

  • sceneparade
    sceneparade Community member Posts: 93 Courageous
    @Chloe_Scope - Thanks. It was through the National Autistic Society that I came to know about the Lorna Wing Centre for ASD. They gave me their details for a referral and subsequent second assessment. 

    Currently I am waiting for the ADOS assessment. I don't think it is right to go to the Lorna Wing without all the information. I have been trying to get into assessments and referral for the last two years. Very frustrating. 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @sceneparade, I'm glad you've been in touch with them :)

    I hope you aren't waiting long for the assessment and I completely understand your frustrations as it must feel like you are going round in circles!
    Scope

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