vivreestesperer wrote:
Why would someone actually WANT to have AS? Sheesh. If anything else your obsessive note keeping should be a sign of AS, not a sign of "faking"..
As a rule, therapists try to remain skeptical when someone comes in off the street who seems to be "shopping" for a diagnosis - no matter how beneficial the diagnosis might be. People are very good at jumping to conclusions, accepting clinical labels prematurely, and even subconsciously develop the symptoms they read about - it's just human nature. A good therapist weighs the severity of each symptom carefully, and considers possible alternative diagnoses, and is likely to err on the side of a more conservative diagnosis when in doubt. It is by no means a perfect process.
I would advise against going with the intention of "getting a diagnosis." Let the professional help you make this evaluation.
Like I said before, HONESTY. Dress, act, and speak as comes most naturally to you. If you are concerned about something, express your concerns. If you suspect you are Aspie, explain why you might be, and let your therapist explore the possibility with you. Be prepared to explore alternative diagnoses without getting defensive; a good therapist explores possible alternatives so that they can eliminate them from consideration - not to show you up as a faker.
In any case, trying to trick your therapist into a diagnosis will almost certainly work against you. If your therapist suspects you are trying to get a particular diagnosis, he/she will be especially conservative with your diagnosis.