I'm Not New Here, But...

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I'm not new here, but I haven't been on in a long time. I've thought since 2007, when I first learned the symptoms of what was then called Asperger's, that I had it myself. My current therapist and psychiatrist believe I have it, as do previous therapists.

Well, I am FINALLY having a diagnostic testing done by someone who assesses both adults and children ten and up on August 19th. I'm very excited but also very nervous as well. This diagnosis would explain my entire childhood and my adulthood thus far. So, if I'm told I don't have it, I will be back to wondering what's "wrong" with me. And actually, I may not believe it if they say I don't have it. I believe I at least have PDD-NOS.

Just thought I would post here, for no particular reason. But if anyone would like to share their assessment experiences, that would be great. I am lucky to have met an Aspie friend last year who is planning on coming with me to the testing if she can (only to the waiting room, of course) so that has me less nervous about the whole experience. My mom will probably be coming too.

I wouldn't be too worried. In the last few years Asperger's Syndrome has, of course, been rolled into the Autism Spectrum Disorders making ASD a broader definition than it once was. While not a good comparison, Cystic Fibrosis has had several hundred new genetic mutations added to its diagnostic compendium in the last several years. In other words, people who had been previously diagnosed as not having CF later turned out to have it after all because of new data. We are seeing AS and ASD do much of the same thing in research and new facts. Until all the research is finished, we won't know for sure if certain people are or aren't diagnosed accurately. As such, I imagine we will continue to enjoy many more years of misdiagnoses and self diagnosis.

But, I imagine it is frustrating to wonder if your own condition might or mightn't be identified among current diagnostic criteria.