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I'm 34 years old, and am into my second year as a special-ed teacher. My bachelors degree is in Sociology, and I've gone back to school to get my masters in SPED -- and the more I time I spend in this field, the more I recognize myself. I'm trying to figure out how to go about pursuing a diagnosis -- anybody have suggestions?

Welcome to WrongPlanet, atavist!

Regarding seeking a diagnosis, I have said this many times here - it depends on what you hope to gain from an official diagnosis whether it is worth getting one. You need to consider the effect on your employment situation, how people view you, and most importantly, how it will make you feel. I was officially diagnosed last year at 28 - in my case my obvious differences and difficulties made it important to me that I do this, but I found the process painful.

If you are looking for advice on finding a qualified professional to diagnose you, the ASA may have a local group who would be able to point you in the right direction, here's the relevant URL - http://www.autism-society.org/site/Page ... ar1.app24a

Dunc

Hi atavist

Pull up a seat

As far as diagnosis is concerned, I got in touch with the Autism Assosiation in my local city. I had to write a self referal and send it to them to get an appointment with them.
(my appointment is on the 4th of April by the way, so I have no further suggestions as yet)


ElfMan

Welcome.

Here is another link that might be of interest seeking a diagnosis as an adult, it was done by someone in the UK but the principal points are the same:

http://www.asperger-syndrome.com/diagnosis.htm

A link of people specializing in Asperger's that might be able to help (located off a link in the article above)

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/clinicians.html

Hi atavist,

Welcome to wp. Where in Maryland are you located? My sister is a special ed teacher nearby in Washington D.C. She went into special ed because of my developmental difficulties. I'm guessing that your own experiences influenced going into special ed?

-Scott

DC is a wierd city -- it doesn't grow as more people move in, but was created by legislative fiat. If it was anyplace else, I'd be living in DC now.

I actually sort of fell into the job by chance. My experience has to do with why I love my job so much, and why I'm good at it. This isn't something that I take to casually -- I've got a dog in this fight.