Sanity Check - HFA Adult Diagnosis in USA

[patrick183]

Hi,

I've seen a psychologist for a couple weeks, who has screened me [36 yr] for autism, ADHD, and social anxiety. The screening was performed using the DSM-5 and didn't take more than 90 minutes for all three. Based on the screening she believes I have HFA, ADHD inattentive type, and mild to moderate social anxiety.

She has recommended that I get a neuropsychological examination which includes things like IQ, attention, exec function, memory, mood, and most importantly she emphasizes the test must include ADOS-2. I'm told the testing takes around 8 hours, and that my medical insurance should cover this testing. Since I already take Adderall for ADHD I will have to discontinue the medication for the test.

Does this make sense to those who might have recently gone through this process?

Thanks!

 

[Tom]

I don't know, but lets all give a big hand for acronyms.

 

[disconnected]

Yes-

My tests where two different days. Probably 10 hours or so. It seems hard to do all that in 90 minutes

 

[Pats]

My tests were 3 hours a session for 4 sessions or something like that.
But they were testing specifically for autism.

 

[tree]

ADHD..,. = attention deficit hyperactive disorder
DSM-5...= Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
HFA...... = high functioning autism
ADOS-2 = Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition

 

[Peter Morrison]

I think it is great that you are getting what seems to be an extreme battery of tests. Regardless of the outcome, you'll be glad to have had the tests done. It helps you know that you are dealing with. Good information.