Recording Assessment and format query

Hi,

We normally request for assessments to be recorded. Last time I provided on their request two cassette recorders, cassette tapes and as they would not let me use their electrical source saying it was not available as they had not PAT tested my product and no plug socket available I thankfully had come prepared with batteries.

My query is that I have heard that some assessments now have been by phone. Is that correct? Due to my wife's disabilities she cannot do telephone. It would need to be by video or face to face. Are assessments being done face to face now? If not, how do I point out that we would still need the assessment recorded when they require two cassette recorders? Will they because of this make sure it is face to face?

Thanks for your prompt reply.

As part of my wife's autism report telephone has been explained as something that is very difficult and it has been advised even for medical appointments to be video or face to face. It will cause my wife to break down and become extremely distressed. We do not have a landline telephone, mobile phones also make it very difficult for loudspeaker as it muffles and it can be hard to hear what somebody is saying. We both have audio processing disorder which is the brain trying to process words and if the assessor was to try and ask my wife to repeat something because they did not hear this will cause distress because my wife can't explain or recall what she has said, can become flustered and meltdown. Will explaining this to them as part of the feedback application help them understand to not put us in a telephone assessment?

Just checking the government publication under cases that should not require a consultation (1.5.5) it says there is strong evidence on which to advise on the case and consultation is likely to be stressful for the claimant (for example, claimants with autism, cognitive impairment or learning disability).

Although my wife does not have a learning disability because of her hidden processing disabilities and communication strategies compiled for the NHS by the autism team she is recognised by the learning disability team at hospital of needing the strategies and support. Even though she 'presents' as high-functioning which is misleading in comparison to her struggles which the report reflects this.

Hi Whistler, I just want to say how inspiring it is to read that wherever it is you live your wife's autism-related communication issues have been diagnosed and recorded in her medical files as you describe. At least this good practice is happening somewhere, compared to my husband who was sent to a big hospital the other side of London for his Asperger's diagnosis. Which he got, but there was no follow up nor any recognition of his struggles with unfamiliar medical staff etc, effect of stress on comprehension or memory or causing him to appear aggressive etc. Even though generally he is high functioning too. This matters as he has several physical health problems so has to deal with all the different clinics etc. So it is good to hear at least what is recognised for your wife by the NHS.
Best wishes, Denby.

Hi Denby, Sorry to hear your husband had no follow up or recognition of his struggles, including the effects it's had on him. It is still sadly really difficult still even for my wife who 'presents' high-functioning and has communication strategies as there are still professionals and health professionals that sadly think it is okay to ignore them or pick and mix. They just 'see' that she 'looks normal' but do not understand the hidden processing disabilities and difficulties. Sadly this then can cause PTSD/trauma for her, but we still push forward where we can. Your husband sounds like he has similar struggles to my wife. I am just curious as to whether he may also (like my wife) struggle with 'audio processing disorder'. If you Google ' APD Support UK' it has a lot of information on it. There is also a Facebook page. The lady that runs it can direct your husband to how to go about a formal diagnosis if after reading through the information he finds he relates to it. Dr Bamiou (Audiologist) is based in London. We are North West but was still able to get a GP referral to her. With regards to trying to get some recognition for struggles. Do you have a local National Autistic Society branch? They may be able to help? Another option is to speak to someone at the hospital from the learning disability team. Explain the struggles your husband has in appointments and could they help to do a support letter with some communication strategies that you could show to consultants or send to consultants via secretary before his appointments? (It helps being on an NHS letterhead) Point out to them that you recognise that he does not have a learning disability but he still has a lot of struggles and this causes him distress around communication etc. There is a Facebook Page called 'Ask me I am Autistic' and this is quite handy to ask stuff and people can give advise and direction. I hope some of this has been of some help. Keep knocking on doors and keep looking. A door will eventually open. Best wishes Whistler