Hi! I'm new. Need help getting a diagnosis and counselor

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Hi everyone,

I am a 48-year-old man engaged to an NT, and based on life experience, friends' observations, and the various self-tests, I'm pretty sure I have AS. Now, I'd like to get a diagnosis and hopefully find a counselor who is experienced with AS.

I am an American living in Xalapa, Mexico, and though I know a bit of Spanish, I would need someone who works in English. My home in the States is Sedona, Arizona, so finding someone in Arizona would be good. Can you get a diagnosis and/or counseling online?

Nice website. Love the name!

Hi AspergianAbroad! Welcome to Wrong Planet! Check out the different forums and articles here. They are interesting and helpful. The Autism/Asperger's forum has articles with links to online tests.

I am sure there are quacks who would be willing to diagnose you online for a fee, but if you want an official diagnosis, you will actually have to go and see a psych doctor. You should only pick one with some experience with Autism/Asperger's Syndrome spectrum disorders. Perhaps after locating one in Arizona, you could arrange a doctor visit during a trip home, but you should try to schedule an appointment well in advance of the trip, as psych docs tend to be pretty busy.

One thing though, is that unless you need to qualify for government or insurance help with your disorder, you really don't need an official diagnosis. Many of us just research our condition, and take the online tests to privately confirm or disprove whether we are on the spectrum or not. Some however, do want official confirmation, even if they are not applying for any kind of assistance with it.

I hope you find your research on this site helpful. And remember, you are among friends here at WP!

Hi questor,

Thank you so much for your quick reply - it is very helpful.

I'm really not terribly concerned about getting an official diagnosis. I'm more interested in getting some counseling from a therapist who has experience with AS, and I assumed that an official diagnosis was needed for that. Perhaps not.

The main reason for wanting the counseling is my relationship with my wonderful NT fiancée. We have a great relationship, but it's clear to both of us that my AS gets in the way sometimes. I'm thinking that a counselor who has experience with AS would be very helpful for me.

Thanks again for your kind reply. I'll keep poking around. Really enjoying the site.

Welcome to WP!

Thank you for the kind greeting, Tim! I appreciate the welcome.

Welkome to WP

Mick

Thanks for the warm welcome, Mick!