Ready for the assessment?

The groundwork that makes the GP appointment, and everything after it, easier.

• I've written down specific examples of what's hard, with roughly when they happen.Real moments beat general descriptions: the missed deadline, the meltdown after school, the unopened post.
• I've noted whether the same things were there in childhood, and where.
• I've tried a screening questionnaire and kept the result.ASRS for ADHD, AQ-10 for autism. They don't diagnose; they help the conversation.
• I've thought about what I'd want from a diagnosis.
• I've listed other health things my GP should know about: sleep, mood, thyroid, medicines.
• I know who could describe me as a child, or I've accepted that nobody can.

• GP appointment booked, a double one if the practice allows it.
• A one-page summary written: what, since when, where it shows up, what it costs me.
• Childhood evidence gathered: school reports, old letters, a relative's account.
• Asked about Right to Choose, if I live in England.
• Asked which service the referral went to and the current expected wait.
• Noted the referral date, the service's contact details and any reference number.

• Keeping a dated log of examples. A note on my phone is enough.
• Told work, college or school what would help now, without waiting for a label.
• Looked at what support my local service or a charity offers before diagnosis.
• Chased the service for an update, and set a reminder to do it again in a few months.
• Returned every questionnaire the service sent, mine and my informant's.
• Looking after the basics that make everything harder when they slip: sleep, food, movement.

• Informant arranged, or I've told the service there isn't one.
• Travel, time off and childcare sorted.It can take two or three hours, and sometimes more than one visit.
• My list of hard-day examples ready, not just the good days.
• My questions written down.The guide on what the assessment involves has a list to start from.
• A list of medicines and doses I take, including anything for sleep or mood.
• The appointment letter, the address, and who to call if I'm running late.

• Asked for a copy of the report, and when it will arrive.
• Read the report and told the service about any factual errors.
• Shared the report with my GP, or checked the service has.
• Asked about shared care before starting any medication.
• Looked into adjustments at work or study, and Access to Work or DSA if they apply.
• Kept the report somewhere safe. I'll need it again.