6 EASY STEPS
PREPARING FOR ASSESSMENT
Read the DSM-V criteria and get an understanding of what the psychologist will be basing a diagnosis off of. I also find it helpful to read articles, blogs and watch youtube videos about autism so I can get a picture of what autism in daily life looks like for others. Yes, we have 3 examples in our home but autism can present differently for each individual. By doing this research it triggers memories of the unique behaviours my child presents so I make notes for myself.
Document, Document, Document
Once I have myself refreshed on what the psychologist will be looking at I prepare myself a list of anecdotes from my childs life relating to the criterea. During the assessment I will be asked about my child and sometimes when put on the spot I "freeze" or "forget" so I want all the information handy. I also like to take pictures and video's of my child's unique behaviours as I find it explains situtations much better than I can do with words alone. If you are taking pictures and videos speak to the psychologist and ask when they would like them. We recently submitted a CD with multiple examples of our sons behaviours prior to our appointment, so the psychologist has time to review them and then can ask us any questions during the assessment. I also write notes regarding each picture to describe what was happening, how often this behaviour is present and any triggers I think may have caused it.
Gather reports and assessments
Gather any reports or assessments that your child has done in the past. Any and all information that you have will help the assessor get a full picture of your child and help obtain an accurate diagnosis. Reports from doctors, therapists and even notes from preschool/daycare or activities help, it's better to have to much information than to be kicking yourself saying "oh I forgot to mention". I have detailed more on building documentation in this blog post.
Assessment day
On the day of the assessment bring a support person or two if you need them. I find it helpful to bring a support person for the child being assessed, a person that will take the child out to play when the psychologist needs to speak with me. I find it difficult to focus on what needs to be said when my child is stressed out and just wanting to leave. Maybe you also need someone to prompt you, if so bring someone. Bring snacks, beverages and toys to make your child and yourself feel comfortable.
Bring your questions
Do you have questions for the psychologist? Write them down, bring them with you, this is your time to speak with the psychologist so make sure you ask your questions.
Dealing with results
Whether your child gets an anticipated diagnosis or not it is hard. Give yourself time to cope, adjust and possibly greive. Try to remember that the diagnosis does not define the person, that this is the same child that you loved and adored before the assessment and the diagnosis hasn't changed that.
How did you prepare yourself and your child for their assessments? What do you wish you knew before the assessment or could have done differently?
Great suggestions! I find the most important ones for me are to bring a support person because Bethany wants to leave the second that her part is done and write down every question and everything else that I want to tell the doctors because I freeze like you do, too!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. As an adult diagnosed with autism, I find it very helpful to read articles and blog posts by or about other autstic individuals. Autism can present itself so very differently in each person. As different as autistic individuals are, however, it also helps me to feel less alone. I for one am considered "high-functioning" (hate the word), but this often means I can hold it together until finally I can't. It is very good to know that some of my challenges are in fct common among autistics and that they are not necessarily willful misbehavior. I hope your son's assessment goes smoothly.
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