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2nd Assessment Coming Up
- Katiee
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6 days 1 hour ago #314561 by Katiee
2nd Assessment Coming Up was created by Katiee
My 2nd assessment is on Wednesday, and I just wanted a bit of advice on it.
The reason I'm having another is because I made a complaint about the delightful work of fiction the first report was, so I want to make sure that I make it EXTREMELY clear how my conditions fluctuate, as well as avoiding any assumptions on the 'observations' part of the report.
Can I read out a pre prepared statement that covers these things at the start of the assessment? Is it also ok for me to ask that they go through the descriptors in order to help avoid me getting confused? I struggle with focus because of ADHD, and my fibromyalgia is flaring so concentrating is exceptionally difficult at the moment. I will have lots of notes to keep track of and I'm already getting very anxious about having to go through it all again.
The reason I'm having another is because I made a complaint about the delightful work of fiction the first report was, so I want to make sure that I make it EXTREMELY clear how my conditions fluctuate, as well as avoiding any assumptions on the 'observations' part of the report.
Can I read out a pre prepared statement that covers these things at the start of the assessment? Is it also ok for me to ask that they go through the descriptors in order to help avoid me getting confused? I struggle with focus because of ADHD, and my fibromyalgia is flaring so concentrating is exceptionally difficult at the moment. I will have lots of notes to keep track of and I'm already getting very anxious about having to go through it all again.
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- BIS
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4 days 31 minutes ago #314625 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic 2nd Assessment Coming Up
Hi Katiee
You can write your prepared statement, but I can't say whether you will be able to read it. It will depend on the assessor. They are under time pressure, normally have a set way of conducting the assessment, and may want to stick to it. They won't go through the descriptors - they simply won't have time.
You should certainly tell them right at the beginning that you struggle with focus because of your ADHD and Fibro Fog. If you have taken painkillers before the assessment, say so, as this could have an impact. I hope that you have asked for the assessment to be recorded. If you can record it yourself. You don't have to tell the assessor you're recording the assessment. If you become weary and you're struggling, tell them.
I hope it goes well for you.
BIS
You can write your prepared statement, but I can't say whether you will be able to read it. It will depend on the assessor. They are under time pressure, normally have a set way of conducting the assessment, and may want to stick to it. They won't go through the descriptors - they simply won't have time.
You should certainly tell them right at the beginning that you struggle with focus because of your ADHD and Fibro Fog. If you have taken painkillers before the assessment, say so, as this could have an impact. I hope that you have asked for the assessment to be recorded. If you can record it yourself. You don't have to tell the assessor you're recording the assessment. If you become weary and you're struggling, tell them.
I hope it goes well for you.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Katiee
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3 days 20 hours ago #314640 by Katiee
Replied by Katiee on topic 2nd Assessment Coming Up
It was a 2 hour long ordeal. She was certainly very thorough, going through all of my conditions and asking me how they presented themselves.
I had post it notes on A4 pieces of paper for each of the descriptors, so I could peel them off every time I covered whatever was son the note, and my mum was with me, and the assessor said that she could help me, and talk for me if needed.
My call re ordinf didn't pick up the assessors side, but she did say that all the calls are automatically recorded now anyway, but I'm still not fully convinced they won't just vanish too.
Anyway, this afternoon at just after 5 I got a text to say that the DWP has my report, so I'll request that tomorrow, and then I just have to wait.
I'm still unclear if this is part of my mandatory reconsideration or if it's classed as a completely new assessment, but I don't suppose anyone will ever be able to let me on on that.
I feel that I gave asuch information that I was able, and the assessor said that she is autistic, so she understood some of what I was trying to explain to her, but still, I'm not 100% trusting of any of them.
The CAB have said they will support me if I need to appeal, so theres that at least.
For now, I try and not think about it and wait for a letter to plop through my door...
I had post it notes on A4 pieces of paper for each of the descriptors, so I could peel them off every time I covered whatever was son the note, and my mum was with me, and the assessor said that she could help me, and talk for me if needed.
My call re ordinf didn't pick up the assessors side, but she did say that all the calls are automatically recorded now anyway, but I'm still not fully convinced they won't just vanish too.
Anyway, this afternoon at just after 5 I got a text to say that the DWP has my report, so I'll request that tomorrow, and then I just have to wait.
I'm still unclear if this is part of my mandatory reconsideration or if it's classed as a completely new assessment, but I don't suppose anyone will ever be able to let me on on that.
I feel that I gave asuch information that I was able, and the assessor said that she is autistic, so she understood some of what I was trying to explain to her, but still, I'm not 100% trusting of any of them.
The CAB have said they will support me if I need to appeal, so theres that at least.
For now, I try and not think about it and wait for a letter to plop through my door...
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- BIS
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3 days 19 hours ago #314642 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic 2nd Assessment Coming Up
Hi Katiee
Well done you for getting through it. Two hours is on the long side - and I'm not surprised you describe it as an ordeal. At least you know your report will be available when you ring and request it. Just occasionally, when you ring, you get a call handler who says you can't have the assessor's report (PA4) until after the decision letter. If that happens, tell them they are wrong, and if they won't change their mind, just ring off and ring again and get someone different. We still hear of it happening.
I'm glad to know that you have the CAB behind you, but hopefully you won't have to go further, and you will get the outcome you're hoping for.
BIS
Well done you for getting through it. Two hours is on the long side - and I'm not surprised you describe it as an ordeal. At least you know your report will be available when you ring and request it. Just occasionally, when you ring, you get a call handler who says you can't have the assessor's report (PA4) until after the decision letter. If that happens, tell them they are wrong, and if they won't change their mind, just ring off and ring again and get someone different. We still hear of it happening.
I'm glad to know that you have the CAB behind you, but hopefully you won't have to go further, and you will get the outcome you're hoping for.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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