The extremely dreaded Atos Assessment

JasonBat

I've just got back from mine.

The one I had a few years ago lasted around 5 minutes but this one, for some strange reason, lasted around 45 minutes.

I felt quite humiliated by some of the questions i.e.:

Spell 'world'.
Spell 'world' backwards.
What is 100 minus 25?
Count down from 96 by a factor of 7.
Repeat a series of numbers etc.

Another classic:
Do you know what year it is?

!!!!!!!? Do they think I'm completely idiotic because I suffer from chronic and severe depression? I even handed in a letter from a psychiatrist which details the effects and weight of my symptoms. That not good enough so I've got to have a GP, with about 2 weeks of formal mental health training, put this to me.

What does playing a random word and numbers game prove exactly? That I can hold down a job without difficulty? Unbelievable...

Also, what is the point of checking all my limbs and joints etc. when I've never mentioned any issue with that?

I'm fearing the worst with this so may have to start thinking about an appeal.

Morglin

Don't assume the worst, as assessors have their set questions, and what they ask is no reflection on you, as an individual.

They also have to check physical capability, or not.

People always think they have done 'badly', and will fail, but many are absolutely fine.

You have your medical report, so, although it doesn't hurt to give some thought to possible appeal, it might not happen!

It will probably take a few weeks to get a decision, do just use the time to organise any paperwork etc.,

Hope it all goes ok!

Lin

Indie_Kid

JasonBat wrote: »

I've just got back from mine.

The one I had a few years ago lasted around 5 minutes but this one, for some strange reason, lasted around 45 minutes.

I felt quite humiliated by some of the questions i.e.:

Spell 'world'.
Spell 'world' backwards.
What is 100 minus 25?
Count down from 96 by a factor of 7.
Repeat a series of numbers etc.

Sounds very much like the Dyslexia test I had done whilst at college some years ago...

Mojisola

JasonBat wrote: »

I've just got back from mine.

The one I had a few years ago lasted around 5 minutes but this one, for some strange reason, lasted around 45 minutes.

I felt quite humiliated by some of the questions i.e.:

Spell 'world'.
Spell 'world' backwards.
What is 100 minus 25?
Count down from 96 by a factor of 7.
Repeat a series of numbers etc.

Another classic:
Do you know what year it is?

!!!!!!!? Do they think I'm completely idiotic because I suffer from chronic and severe depression? I even handed in a letter from a psychiatrist which details the effects and weight of my symptoms. That not good enough so I've got to have a GP, with about 2 weeks of formal mental health training, put this to me.

What does playing a random word and numbers game prove exactly? That I can hold down a job without difficulty? Unbelievable...

These are questions from the Mini Mental State Exam used by GPs and Memory Clinics to assess memory loss and early dementia.
https://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/mini-mental-state-examination-mmse

JasonBat

Hi guys,

Yep, seems that test is subjective, generic and a little unreliable. I probably got most of that stuff correct which I hope they won't hold against me.

Lin, when you mention time to organise paperwork, do you mean looking to get another report done?

JasonBat

Anyone know how long it normally takes to get that decision?

Morglin

Yes, if you can get any more reports, then do so. And, think about what you will say in your appeal letter - just jot down a few things, as they occur to you.

You may not need them, but best be prepared (my motto!).

As to how long it takes - it seems to be varying between a couple of weeks, and months.

Depends on region, and how busy they are.

Lin

JasonBat

Thanks Lin.

Not half stressful all this!

Morglin

Yes, it is - but, hopefully, you'll get a good result and can then forget it, for a while.

Lin

MadMick1971

Morglin wrote: »

Don't assume the worst, as assessors have their set questions, and what they ask is no reflection on you, as an individual.

They also have to check physical capability, or not.

People always think they have done 'badly', and will fail, but many are absolutely fine.

You have your medical report, so, although it doesn't hurt to give some thought to possible appeal, it might not happen!

It will probably take a few weeks to get a decision, do just use the time to organise any paperwork etc.,

Hope it all goes ok!

Lin

I have to agree with this - I was dreading my assessment and although I have never in my lffe felt so belittled or patronised at my assessment the right decision was made - I was placed in wrag meaning I am unemployable at this moment in time but may be in the future. As long as you have medical evidence to back up your claim you cannot fail - it is nieve to think differently. Yes they may try and trick you - mine did but at the end of the day I had brain surgery! You cannot argue that.
The system worked for me - I want to be able to earn a decent wage again as I always have done but accept I may need support. Too many people seem to think illness is a reason for early retirement IMHO.