seeking a diagnosis didn't go so well

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I always get angry when I'm frustrated or confused. And even though it's with myself, people around me think it's directed at them so after I've figured out whatever it is that has me frustrated or confused, I have to make the rounds to apologize. I don't necessarily take it out on them, but I do resent the intrusion when I'm focused and I can get a little snitty. Usually I just stare at them blankly until they leave. Now that I think about it, that's the only time it doesn't bother me to make eye contact. I guess because my brain is so focused on something else I'm not really seeing what I'm looking at anyway.

Liz, have you taken this test?

http://www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php

I thought it was surprisingly reliable, based on the fact that over 90% of respondents in a different forum tested almost perfectly NT on it. Seeing their results floored me, online tests dedicated to X or Y are usually heavily biased toward X or Y. "Have you ever chewed gum? Well then of course you have bischizorepublicanitis, sign up for our free newsletter now!"

Do try to bend your answers away from an aspie result, though, in order to ensure a fair result.

That he dismissed your concerns so quickly makes me think he is threatened in some way by the possibility. In my experience psychologists are pretty much useless especially for diagnosis. I would suggest seeing a psychiatrist; this is not a guarantee of getting a competent person (but it does increase the chances.)
Some doctors don't want to deal with things that they are not experienced with and they will try to fit you into categories that they are interested in.
I would ditch this guy ASAP.

There is so much information today on autism, you can put two and two together and work it out for yourself. As long as you are satisfied with the results is what matters.

I have never had a diagnosis and don’t care if I do. I know I have autism.

I come from a generation where my mother would have been seen as a refrigerator mother, in other words it was her fault for my quirks and behaviour. LSD and shock treatment was a normal procedure in treating autism.


You have to line up all the pens and staples on your doctor’s desk in a straight line, or look down to the ground flapping your arms until you get a diagnoses today. Doctors still don’t have a clue, not enough passion, more money than sense...

Autism spectrum means everyone is different, why don't the so called experts understand this...

I'm a NT sociologist researching a new field called the sociology of autism. My focus is on autistic identity and autistic people passing as neurotypical or using neurotypical traits that are not natural to them. I have many aspie family members and friends.

I would have also suggested the aspie quiz. I've taken it and I scored toward the high end of NT. I like it because it asks a wide variety of thoughtful questions and asks the same questions in different ways to give you more accurate results.

I think that self identification of ASD is a lot like self identification of sexual orientation. Why would you go to a doctor and get them to tell you if you were gay or straight? How would you know what you were? What if you were a virgin? I think most people would assume they were straight (because that is the common orientation) and then if they thought they were gay they might read up on it, investigate their feelings, and then come to a personal conclusion.

When you're an adult, it can be difficult for others to accept that you're on the autism spectrum because you've already learned to accommodate for any natural social problems you may have. Others may see you as a little awkward or spacey, but this may not seem like enough for a diagnosis to most people. You probably stopped things like toe walking, gaze avoidance, and ecolalia years ago. If you have internal scripts that you use a lot, other people may not understand what goes into that. Often stimming changes from something like head banging when you're very small to tapping your hand or foot when you're an adult. That looks totally normal. So the main problems are internal. All a doctor can do at this point is prescribe medication. There are some medications (like in the thread about depression in this forum) that help if you're on a very low dose and some things that you can take as needed like Xanax or Ativan can help to avoid a meltdown. Meltdowns as an adult are essentially panic attacks, but because of the autism you may not look like you're having a panic attack and you may need to get to a calm place and may not be able to communicate that. So it's good to have a "get me out of this feeling" pill to take.

And yeah, I agree with what that other poster said, having an official diagnosis CAN help if you're having issues at work and need accommodations. Especially if you're passing so well that no one is taking your needs seriously. Something like meetings during a time when you're run down or an irritating light or sound that no one else can pick up on can be draining.

I personally think it's worth it to find out about ASD for your own personal knowledge and sense of power. I wouldn't bother going to that psychologist again. He's obviously stupid and doesn't get it.

My shrinky-dink said the same thing. She also said if I DID have Aspergers then she couldn't treat my depression and anxiety with psychotherapy. Um, can't people with Aspergers have attachment issues and crappy childhoods and traumatic life experiences like anyone else? I'm just starting the process of getting diagnosed and fortunately an Adult Autism clinic just opened up in Seattle a few months ago. I'm going to beat on the door until someone answers. I know I have it - reading others' descriptions is like reading my own autobiography, and I don't know what else I could possibly have. If the glove fits etc. ... and if that makes me an unsuitable candidate for her brand of psychotherapy, then I guess I will have to hire someone better who can work with people with Aspergers.

removed due to idiocy on my part

I talked to a psychologist after i went though a year of a nightmare at work, we discussed aspergers but he said i was coping very well. it was just the stress of what I went though, that i was likey aspergers but didnt quality for treatment,,, and since i refuse to take meds that pretty much ended any chances of getting help.

Hi LizNY,

I'm sorry to hear your diagnosis experience didn't go well. Keep in mind that it's impossible for anyone, even a trained professional, to draw any conclusions in 20 minutes. I am thus skeptical that this guy is the right person to tell you that you don't have Asperger's. You need to find someone who specialises in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. Find out how they diagnose you before you commit to anything. They should run tests and have an in-depth discussion with you. They may even discuss your childhood with your parents, if that's an option. A comprehensive diagnosis takes hours, not minutes.

You might have to accept the possibility that such a diagnosis will cost you money. Getting one is an exercise in weighing the pros and cons. For some people self-diagnosis is enough. For others, like myself, we wanted and needed the professional validation. More practically, it gives me access to important exam concessions at uni. It may - may, but not necessarily - assist you at work. If there isn't already a thread on it, you could start one, asking if people have been assisted in the workplace by an official diagnosis. I'd be curious about this one myself.

Whatever you decide, good luck. Let us know how you go.