This sucks to no end

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I was all excited about the possibility of being able to compete as a Special Olympic athlete because Autism Spectrum qualifies. The problem is that I don't have an "official" on the record diagnosis. The Special O rep said that that did not matter to them as long as my GP was willing to sign for me. The problem is he won't sign unless I have an official document. So I called my insurance to see how much it would be to get an official diagnosis and how much of that they would cover. Well they told me that they would cover absolutely none of it because they have to abide by some law that says that they are only allowed to cover or help pay for an Autism Spectrum diagnosis for someone between the ages of 2 and 6. So if you missed that cutoff because Autism Spectrum diagnoses did not even exist until you were in college, you have to pay completely out of pocket. The insurance guy said that they get angry calls about that all the time, people who are older who would like to get diagnosed but can't because they don't have that kind of money and they just have to say, "Oh well, too bad, sucks to be you!"

I also find that law really interesting since sometimes girls don't even really present until they are older than six. How fair is that? And seeing that a diagnosis could cost up to $2000.00 in this country and then on top of that being over 18 would get me no benefits anyway, I just feel slapped and kicked to the curb. Gee. Wow, I guess I can just forget about the one benefit I could have enjoyed. At least there are local clubs that I can participate in and one where I can at least do Equestrian Sports. I guess I could race in NT races whenever I can afford to do that but I was feeling so excited that I could do something like SO where I could feel really special about being Aspie. The local groups are very cool too but I was so excited about being able to participate as an athlete in a world wide organization. Oh well. Just another reason to feel lost and forgotten and kicked to the curb by the health authorities in this country. I even wanted to just talk to my doctor for thirty seconds about this and they told me that I was not allowed to even have a conversation with him about anything at all unless I made an appointment and paid the $20.00 copay. Go figure.

And to put the icing on the cake, when I first told my mom that I had discovered I was Aspie her first comment was, "Oh really? And were you diagnosed by a professional?" Until I have an actual official diagnosis she will never believe that I have a struggle with any of my symptoms and she thinks I am just making it all up for pity. Yeah mom, I love pretending I have Misophonia and Asperger's. I love that I have not been able to hold a job for 26 years and that I could not finish school and I have meltdowns and get depressed and have a hard time in my close relationships. I love dealing with super scary thoughts every few weeks, you guys know. I love that I am like a little kid sometimes and can't understand or process certain things and how that has cost me friends who have just abandoned me because I was too weird. I love how my fingers burn if I touch certain things and how I can't sleep for weeks because I hear noises six blocks away. I love how I get nauseous when people play their stereos parked outside my house and how it takes me a month to recover from a 3 day church workshop. And the list goes on. Yeah mom, it's fun pretending all this stuff just to get people to feel sorry for me. Give me a stinking break!! !!

Sorry sweetie, what has happened to you is really not fair.

Thank you Bumble. Seems like you and I have both had hard situations this week. Hugs to you girl. I know I could use one!

I'm going to try to do some research to see if one could get a cheaper diagnosis.

That sucks!
I would have gone to see you ski. It makes no sense either, like if you're an adult it just stops mattering.

Do you live near any major universities? They often have psych departments that offer evaluations and services on a sliding fee scale based on your ability to pay. I went to mine and got my assessment done for $500 because I'm unemployed. Like you, I never would have been able to afford it otherwise. Good luck, I really hope to see you ski in the Olypmics one day!

Thank you so much guys, I really appreciate your posts very much. I will keep you posted on any developments.

It sucks that it's so insanely expensive to get diagnosed for you!

I'm sorry you're kept from doing what you had your hope on like that. I hope things work out somehow...

That's nuts! No-one reacted to me until way up in elementary school. (And what actually truly made them truly notice me was me acting out due to a trauma at 10. Before that the only thing anyone ever said (one teacher) was "very quiet" and I was assumed shy. No-one in daycare reacted to me.) I don't even understand how aspies can be diagnosed at such an early age.

I know this isn't the way anyone would choose to do it, but do you think your loved ones could chip in to help you? Your brother or others you're very close with? If more do it won't have to be a lot for each.
It's very hard to sell things for a reasonable price, but if you have anything you're willing to give up, you can always try.
It's just a thought, since it's important for you.

skibum - I got assessed through Easter Seals. They have "scholarships" which you can request which will cover the cost of diagnosing you. I paid $0!

Thank you Skil, I think I might try Easter Seals first though. that free deal sounds awesome! Thank you for the heads up on that JSBach!

Are you in the United States?

I worked for a health insurance company and quite frankly this sounds like bull. If you go in for psychological testing, and come out with an autism spectrum diagnosis, I don't see how they can deny the claim. Either you have coverage for psych testing or you don't.

What kind of law would limit a person's ability to be diagnosed with something to age 2-6? In recent years, laws have required expanded coverage of mental health services, not limited them! I would call back and ask for the name of the "law" and look it up for myself. In a separate call, or perhaps prior to asking the previous question, ask if you have coverage for psychological testing in general. Sometimes health insurance reps are confused by too much information.

Something just doesn't seem right here.

A diagnosis can be done for under 400 bucks... thats about 4 to 6 hours of sessions. I don't know if you're in the US but if you are you can also look up your local universities and see if they offer free community counseling and psych services. Those centers have contact info for professionals which are not so expensive...and they can even offer free counseling to you.

I think it is because there is no treatment for Aspergers if you are older. Just like in the regular population some in the cohort are anxious, or depressed, and get may get a prescription for medications. But having a HFA dx doesn't qualify one for anything, being depressed or anxious does.

Yes, but learning coping mechanisms and life skills that we didn't ever learn would be very helpful.

Skibum, if you ever get into the Special Olympics, you have to let me know! (Or all of us!) Do skiers have to have helpers, like caddies? I could be your (skaddie?).

Thanks all of you, I actually got a good lead to follow up on from the SO rep when I told her what happened. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Yeah, I don't understand that age law either. I might have to anonymously check up on that.

Actually in SO disabled skiers are supposed to be accompanied by two "abled" skiers on the hill. Of course she told me that I would not need them because I ski very well and have even taught skiing. But because SO welcomes athletes of all abilities and high functioning as well as low functioning from every end of the Spectrum, I would still be completely welcomed and would most likely even find a competitive field. They said I could be a great example and role model to the younger athletes as well. That would be a great way to give back. But Woz, you would be definetely welcomed to be my scaddie if you like! You could carry my power bar snack!