New self-diagnosed, have 3 questions...

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Hi everyone. I'm 33, male, have strong reasons to think that I'm an Aspie, but have no diagnosis.

I heard about Asperger's syndrome on NPR some years ago. The description they gave hit home. Recently I read several books about the subject, took various online tests and spent some time getting the information from various sources. Needless to say, the list of symptoms describe me with such a deadly accuracy that I have a very little doubt that not only I'm on the spectrum, but I'm probably a textbook definition of the condition, and not towards the better end of it.

So, after some thought, I think that I'd like to get a formal diagnosis. While I believe I will probably not learn anything new and it'll be a waste of time/money, but I'd like to get rid of any doubts. Having accurate information is necessary to formulate the proper course of action. So, I have several questions for people who are not as new to this as I am:

1. Do you know of any resource or a list of mental health professionals who specialize or have extensive experience with Asperger's syndrome in Los Angeles area? Can any of you recommend a good one?

2. There is another complication that gives me a pause. I hold a prominent position as a senior scientist in a large corporation dealing with a very advanced field of technology. The position requires a security clearance. As I remember, when getting the clearance, there were numerous questions about my mental health, including questions about any existing diagnosis, visits to a psychiatrist, etc. Do any of you know if an "official" diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome could create any issues with a security clearance? My guess is not, because after learning about the subject I believe half of my colleagues are very likely on the spectrum as well, but I don't know. I could go to a doctor as John Doe, pay cash and leave no records, but I am so bad at lying that I would have a hard time filling out clearance renewal questionnaire and not revealing the diagnosis.

3. For those of you who had been diagnosed for a long time, did you ever take any corrective actions? Therapies, treatments, behavior adjustments, whatever... Is there anything in existence that really helped you in any way? Anything that works?

I greatly appreciate all replies...

Cannot help you with #1, sorry.

2) I would not jeopardize your security clearance for this. It's not worth it. Pretty much the only thing that will change after a diagnosis is that you will know you've been officially sanctioned as having one, and you may lose your clearance.

3) Sorry, old lady with a diagnosis (semi-formally; discussed but nothing put on paper) a few years ago. I would say, though, that if you've gotten as far as you obviously have, you're coping quite well.

I know at least one diagnosed auty who is working for the MOD in England, and it hasn't harmed his clearance.

I'd expect that, as long as you're earning your keep in the organisation, having a diagnosis that was out in the open would be better for your job security than being ignorant but still just as disabled.

There's a common law sort of implication that organisations have an obligation to help their less able members, but that's a long sort of a shot that would need detailed situational analysis.

I've tried a variety of therapeutic initiatives, some before the diagnosis which were usually interesting but not terribly effective, and others afterwards, which weren't much better. There was an episode of neurofeedback last year, which emphatically made a difference. The change was more evident on the brain scans than in behaviour, as it turned out, but the jury hasn't come back yet.

I ran a theory for a while that it had reduced my insularity, but in practice all that's yielded thus far has been increased loneliness and desperation.

I wonder if I heard the same NPR segment you did several years ago, because that is when I identified and started to research AS (and found WP! )

I had just started a job that I am still on, and because I was officially DXed last year there is no issue with a 'preexisting condition'. I am finally getting some accommodations (being able to ditch work if I have a 'flare up' simply because my ability to put thoughts into words or my ability to read (literally, the text becomes indecipherable!) when I am too stressed) at work.

I wish you well, and have found WP to be a fabulous resource. As we say on WP, welcome home!

Merle

Welcome aboard WP, fellow-traveler AJY.

A formal diagnosis can be very helpful in identifying where you are weak, and even in some cases suggesting strategies to compensate. But the value of a diagnosis varies a lot from one person to the next.

As for your questions:

1) I have no idea, but L.A. has enough medical schools and teaching hospitals that finding a facility with neurologists who specialize in ASDs should be simple.

2) Not sure, but I've heard enough strange stories about security clearances and neuropsych conditions in the U.S. that keeping it quiet might be preferable for job security. The intelligence community, for instance, seems to be deeply concerned about such issues and routinely rejects applicants who have AS, epilepsy, or a psychiatric history.

3) I've taken a number of actions, from medication to therapy. The medication, mostly for my seizures, has helped a lot; the therapy was not helpful.

Mostly I found that the AS diagnosis ended years worth of seeking an explanation for my brain and its unusual strengths and weaknesses. That opened up a lot of insight into my life, and removed some anxieties about my present and future.

I believe Nan's and Aoi's advice are spot on. I'd also note that DOD has flagellated over the years with regard to polygraph policy. I'd also suggest your suspicion re your colleagues is correct. Diagnosis is very much a double edged sword. For comparison think about DOD's policies on homosexuality, or weather or not a DXed Lindburgh would today be deemed fit to fly. To me, you seem well intelligent enough to firm up your suspicions on your own, and then seek resources to help in your areas of deficiency.

Good luck.

To WrongPlanet!! !

I was able to obtain a Secret Level Security Clearance after I was treated for alcoholism. If a psychiatric, psychological, or medical
condition is not connected to any misconduct or crime it should not be a problem.

Thanks to all who answered. I'll have to do more thinking and research.

Welcome home.

I don't think the security clearance is a problem, but a diagnosis of a neurological 'disorder' might be a pre-existing condition for insurance if you ever change jobs.

I've never been to a therapist (yet), but the things I've invented on my own to adapt seem to be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, so you might find a therapist to help you get insights into specific issues, and not bother with a formal diagnosis.

I just figured out I'm a textbook mild/moderate aspie, and the insights I've gained from WrongPlanet have been transformational and integrative. It's given me ideas for new adaptations, that I've tried, and they've worked.

If you post specific issues in the General or Members area, you'll get detailed advice.

Welcome to WP!