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Scottinoz
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03 Jul 2012, 10:30 pm

How can i test to get diagnosed, I will tell them about the online tests but is it doctor,psychiatrist or psychologist i got a list to get information on and help with.



Didgeeeee
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04 Jul 2012, 12:27 am

Are you asking about Asperger Syndrome?



questor
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04 Jul 2012, 12:36 am

A psychologist would be best, next choice would be a psychiatrist. A GP is not a psych doc, so they are not a good choice, but can give you a referral to one of the other two. When calling for an appointment be sure to ask if the psych doc has experience treating people on the Autism spectrum, and in treating them in your age group. There are many different types of mind problems, and no one psych doc can be good at treating all of them, so they tend to specialize. It is best to go to one who has experience with the problems you think you have to get a diagnosis and treatment. Also, bring in a copy of your online test results to show the doc when you go to see him/her.

If you don't have a GP who can refer you to the right psych doc in your area, call your local hospitals, and mental health clinics for referrals.


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one-A-N
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04 Jul 2012, 12:44 am

Seeing you are an adult, and in Australia, I guess I must ask you what you are looking for:

If you just want a diagnosis so that you understand yourself better and have peace of mind about it, then a clinical psychologist specialising in ASD will be fine. This is what I did - I just found a well-recommended clinical psychologist in Sydney who specialised in ASD and referred myself to him. I was able to afford the cost of consultation without Medicare rebate. There are state organisations (like aspect.org.au) that offer diagnostic services too. Expect to pay $600-$1000 for a diagnosis. I have no idea whether a GP referral gets you a rebate for a psychological diagnosis.

By the way, after I was diagnosed, my psychologist sent me back to my GP to get a referral to him, so that he could continue giving me Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and similar help under Medicare (anxiety and stress - caused by sensory sensitivity and Aspie emotions). The referral helped, as Medicare paid more than 50% of the fee.

If you want medication, then to the best of my knowledge you will have to see your GP to get a referral to a psychiatrist. I don't have any experience of this path, so I am just guessing that you will need to take whatever evidence you have and present that to your GP, then to the psychiatrist. In addition, if you have a psychiatrist in mind, you would have to ask to be referred to them. My GP was perfectly happy with me asking to be referred to a psychologist I had already picked and consulted.

In general, I am not sure what kind of diagnosis other organisations require (e.g. if you were wanting to apply for some kind of disability status or benefit). I am not applying for any of these things, so I haven't looked into it. I just wanted the psychological assistance (CBT or similar). My boss is happy with my verbal statement that I have been diagnosed - he hasn't required any documentary proof. And my psychologist said he would be prepared to put it in writing if it was needed (it might cost extra - not sure).