Getting the diagnosis

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Hi!
I am new here, so I kind of don't know how to do this. I also don't know exactly where to post it. What I wonder about is how you get diagnosed (with autism/Asperger's syndrome) in other countries? What kind of questions do you get from your doctor and psychologist? Am I the only one who had a doctor who didn't take my problems and challenges seriously? I also wonder if you had to go to both your family doctor and an another doctor? My last question is how old were you when you got diagnosed?

Welcome! I can't say what the diagnosis process is like in your country, but in answer to your last question, I was diagnosed at age eleven.

I hope you enjoy your stay here and pray you find the answers you are looking for

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Welcome! A diganosis is determined at the end of an assessment where a diagnostician interviews you and maybe a family member about your behaviors, characteristics and comorbids related to autism. Many tests differ somewhat between nations, but they all arrive at the same conclusion. Sadly, you aren't the only one to have a doctor who didn't believe you or your characteristics seriously (my first diagnostician was only slightly helpful). In the United States, individuals can usually refer themselves to see an autism clinician; but, I know that many other nations require asking a general practitioner to refer an individual to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Doing that that take some time. I was diagnosed at 53 years of age.

I dont know how to get diagnosed in another country, but I was diagnosed in Canada. What happened for me was I was at my local hospital visiting a psychiatrist for reasons relating to my depression and anxiety. After chatting with this doctor for a while, he noticed I had symptoms of autism and referred me to a psychologist for further neurological testing. I had seen doctors and other mental health professionals before this doctor, but he was the first one to consider me having autism, he was the first doctor to really take me seriously. Then fast-forward, I met with the psychologist for neurological testing, then after a couple months of testing, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was diagnosed at age 14, at the beginning of grade 9 (freshman year).

Welcome to wrongplanet! I am new here too, but I hope you have a good time on the site!

Welcome to our planet - have a long and happy stay - the climate is generally mild and pleasant here!

There are several Norwegians who regularly lurk the forums here.