Are you Self Diagnosed?

Post Reply New Topic

I didn't even know about Asperger's or the greater autistic spectrum until I got diagnosed.

I don't know if I count as "self-diagnosed" - my sister diagnosed me first (after reading an article in Newsweek back in '01 or '02, and realizing they could have been discussing me), and everyone who knows me agrees. I will say that the DSM-IV description fits pretty well...

I identify with AS in many ways and it explains most of my life, that thing that l always called, "it" that I knew nobody else understood. I believe that I am either a mild aspie or somewhere between AS and ADHD, I could easily fit the NVLD profile and I'm actually shocked that I wasn't labeled with it when I was still in Special Ed, in elementary school, although that is even considered to be mild AS or the "female presentation of AS" by some.

I don't really think that I'll seek out a diagnosis. I don't wish to be on medication and I'm learning ways to cope with my executive dysfunction and feelings of depersonalization. I'm really not interested in going through the run around with doctors who want to fix what isn't wrong with me again.

No, I was diagnosed by a team of mental health professionals. Like some others, I did not even know what it was until I was told about it by my social worker. I was shocked by how much it explained about me, when I researched it. Like a long quest for self understanding had come to an end.

I was self-diagnosed before I got an official diagnosis.

I have a childhood autism-spectrum diagnosis, but nobody since then has really had any luck nailing down what it is that I have/am, and I haven't put much effort into finding out. I assume that when I sit down with a neuropsychiatrist and try to hash all this out (which will eventually need to happen), what I'm going to hear is something to the effect of "yep, you have something I haven't seen before that overlaps with the autism spectrum."


Cheers,

TH

DIY aspie, my doctor says there's no point getting a professional diagnosis as there's no cure and I would have to pay all the costs myself. My doctor borrowed books from me on the subject to learn more about it.

I'm self diagnosed after many years research and soul searching.
Was diagnosed ADD at 3yo (1975).
Listened to family and well meaning adults advise my parents I was autistic as a kid. Until only recently I though that was down syndrome and grew up with a complex that I was slow, stupid and ret*d.
Special needs student in high school.
In 20s thought I had ADHD and/or Turner Syndrom (fragile X).
Went to several psychologists and was fobbed off. Severe depression developed and suicidal fantasies started
At 34yo my mother suggested AS and within a few months other people I worked and voluntered with also made the same suggestion, unprompted.
Read up on it, especially books on AS in girls and women.
Tried getting appt in Brisbane before I killed myself but clinic fully booked for 3 months. Spoke briefly on ph with a dr who recommended diagnosis.
With no money and no fixed address I went into denial and escape as a means of survival.
Last month, after re-diagnosis of depression and the return of suicidal fantasies I went back to researching AS.
I know I am AS with PTSD for starters.
Last week the government arranged a meeting for me to get a health pension if I take the intiative to get professional help.
Even they can see I'm certifiably bonkers and need help.

Currently I am self diagnosed. My family doesn't think I have it officially. They just think I'm simply the anti-social kid. I don't think I'll ever get diagnosed when my parents are around. Just have to wait or never get diagnosed whichever comes first.

Well basically I see a psychiatrist and a therapist who actually specializes in children that sometimes sees adults like me. I think I still got it in my sig, but I am being seen for mental illness unfortunately.
My status is that for years I've suspected AS, and out of the blue my therapist says I have it, but my psychiatrist doesn't agree. My therapist can't put the dx on paper, but I read one source that said that that dx would still count, I don't know about that though.
Different people on and off have said they were certain I had it, or they were certain I didn't have it. Aspie Quiz and AQ put me on the border.

So I don't know what to think.

So far, yes, but that's because the doctor we've been seeing for a proper diagnosis is like "bipolar this, bipolar that, bipolar you!" and whenever I remind him that we originally came to be tested for Asperger's, he's only like "oh yeah, probably mild. now back to bipolar..." as if the problems in my early life were all because of "bipolar", which is stupid, since I'm the only one in my family with any mental illness, so where did the bipolar come from? Gee, probably from the bullying/abuse I faced because of Asperger's and ADHD..

Though mild, my therapist is completely sure of it, my first primary doctor knew of it from early age (but apparently didn't tell anyone... i have no idea what went on there), my primary nurse at the psych ward supported me with Asperger's, etc... I've been told by multiple doctors trained in psychology that I DO have it, but for some reason we can't get a real diagnosis of it done and and over with.

Hi there,
I am self-diagnosed, however, both my parents, who have huge aspie tendancies, would never allow a diagnosis. I was diagnosed with dyspraxia at 2, but had been to many autism specialists between 6 months old and my diagnosis at 2. My mother fought to keep the diagnosis away from autism and aspies.
However, I have talked to people that have known me for a few years, and they agree that I definitely have aspergers - one person who agrees has a very aspergers/ADD son. Also, my brother has official ADD.
I would really like a full diagnosis, though - and my sympathies to others in the self-diagnosis position. It's really hard, because you can't tell people when you just have a meltdown or whatever - "I have autism/aspergers" because it's not official.

A psychiatrist diagnosed me schizotypal personality disorder and depressed about 15 years ago, but a psychologist I'm currently seeing as part of work prep, whose personal interest is working with people of a spectrum that includes Aspies, has told me he's sure I'm Aspies (not spd). He gave me his reasons and a web search by me has led to me relating more to Aspies than spd.

Since he's a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist, it's not an official diagnosis, but I like how it fits. And unlike the other diagnosis, Aspies feels natural, nothing negative. Indeed, now I feel free.

I was diagnosed with Aspergers by one psychiatrist a few days ago and ADHD by another psychiatrist a year ago.

It would be easier for me if one psychiatrist diagnosed me with both Aspergers and ADHD, since I strongly have both traits since early childhood.