Went to see the Doctor

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Hi Louis,
I am sorry that I wrote the message that I did, I did not think of all the aspies who do have full time jobs that may be upset by what I wrote.
I am in a similar situation to the person who started this subject, in that my GP knows about my aspergers and have told me that I should not get it officialy diagnosed by a psychiatrist.
Could you tell me what support or treatment you have received after you have been diagnosed, and was your employer understanding when applied for a job and told him that you have been diagnosed with having aspergers syndrome.
Simon.

Simon,

Please try to be more sensitive when posting. I appreciate your input, but try thinking before clicking the submit button next time. This is the kind of rude remark I would expect from an uninformed NT, not an aspie.

I am in the process of seeking an official diagnosis and it is important, i cannot say i have AS even though i am 90% sure myself. When i do get a diagnosis i hope to change careers and work with Autistic people.

On the financial matter of life insurance, in this country if you have AS you are technically disabled and will receive extra state benefits.

Yes, I was diagnosed at age 41 in July of 2004. I never even heard of Asperger's Syndrome before that Myself. After reading about it. It has explained a lot about the way I am in the end.

Simon,

1) I have not received any help other than that of a support group one hour from my home. It seems that the professionals here do not understand that there can be persons with PDDs who are over 18 (Although I am beginning to see a glimmer of hope).

2) None of my employers know about my diagnosis. My current employer hired me after 3 years of independent contracting work. As for the school bus job, I have to have a physical done (required every 2 years to keep the school bus endorsement) and I am wondering if I should say anything about the diagnosis. I am leaning toward no because even though it did not affect my performance on the job, I am not interested in a fight with the state and going to court and dealing with lawyers and judges who are as ignorant about the issue as the Department of Public Safety.

I have a quick question for everyone.

If I got the diagnosis, how can people be sure that I have it. By that I mean, if I didn't tell an insurance company about my diagnosis, how would they ever be able to check and find out about it? Is there any laws against not telling potential employers about an AS diagnosis? Unless I choose to tell people, how could it affect me?

In the case of an insurance company, by applying for the policy, you give them the right to look at your medical records. This is probably in the many forms you have to sign to apply. If you do not tell the truth, they can cancel your policy or not pay out.

In the case of an employer, the only reason to tell them is if you will need accomidations (and even then, you may not have to directly say you have AS, just why you need the accomidations).

That is the general rule of thumb in the US. Canada may be different.

An Asperger's Syndrome diagnoses is good for financial assistance, even if you do work.

Trapped.....I am going in for the first of the testing for AS in a week...I am really glad you posted this topic because I am also struggling with going through with the DX...I am not as positive as you as far as my own possible AS....My thought s about this change daily....I do,I dont,I do,I dont....its driving me nuts.For me, I think I will keep thinking about it until I find out for sure.

The main purpose, for me, is because I am considering a job change and possibility of getting further education.I am 42 and have a BA in psych....basically useless degree for me.I know that being a social worker or counsler is unrealistic given my "personality".I have always had low paying jobs and feel that I have no idea how to get a "real job".I am not capable of seeing myself "objectively" and cant judge my own strengths and limitations without an outside reference.It is an odd process, because I have always faught against being labeled and any attempts at others to change me....Now, Im asking for it.(Thats how confussed and desperate I am)

My understanding of AS is that it is hard wired...we are all unique in how it effects us, but there are some "issues" that can not be altered.I want to have testing done to better understand my strengths and "weaknesses" so I dont waste alot of time in therapy trying to change some things which are hard wired.I dont want to waste time and money going to school for something that would result in
working in an environment that is "hostile" regarding my "traits" and "personality".I dont want to set myself up for failure.It seems I should be able to use my logic to figure this out for myself...but I believe I am sometimes self-delussional (self blind).I may decide to reject whatever the conclussion of the DR is but he does specialize in AS ,so I will try and intigrate his conclussions within my own system of beliefs.

I dont plan on letting AS DX limit me, just allowing me to make more informed decessions about my life.

Hi Louis,
Thank you very much for your reply, I have been going to aspergers support group since january 2006, I find it very helpful to talk to the other people that go there.
Best of luck with your job.
Simon.