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Should individuals with Aspergers be diagnosed at all?

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nansnick
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03 Jul 2010, 3:48 pm

Diagnosis is something I've been thinking heavily about lately. I am undiagnosed. Not sure if I have it though I am certain that I do have a "fruit salad" of issues/conditions that have placed me inside the spectrum of neuro-diverse development. Becoming diagnosed isn't important, to myself, in terms of a label but could be useful in finding support services. This is my primary and possibly only reason for considering a diagnosis; outside affirmation that I'm not crazy and making this all up would be comforting as well though.

I was outed to my family yesterday and they have been behaving oddly, even after trying to have a discussion and explaining things to my mother. She is trying to break it down in terms of a diagnosis using the clinical definition of those with aspergers, something I'm not sure I can meet and something that may not be accurate in the first place.

The thing is the "fruit salad" gets in the way of daily functioning and my ability to attend University, to further my education, and my ability to hold down a job. Without the diagnosis to an employer I'm crazy (label-not-included)something that may actually be more stigmatic than requesting accommodations based on a 'disability' or being able to find accommodation outside the workplace that can sustain me through employment without the need for workplace disclosure.


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Todesking
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04 Jul 2010, 1:15 am

AuntyCC wrote:
I wondered then what other WPers think of this. When I was a child, in the seventies, the term Aspergers Syndrome didn't exist. Nowadays, some children get diagnosed and some receive some treatment which may or may not be helpful. Adults mostly don't - and maybe don't want to either. But is it right to inflict on children a diagnosis which adults would not want? Would it be better to set up the environment in schools so that the odd kids can be odd safely, and give all kids lessons in behaviour and life management and so on? Surely all children would benefit from lessons in social skills and emotional control? Are there any benefits to diagnosis?


I was born in 1970 and went to grade school in the 70's and 80's. They diagnosed me as having ADHD and put me into special education. My problems stemmed from social interaction, physical contact and some memory issues.

When I graduated from High School I tried to go into the Army but it did not work out for me. I then got a job which paid me under the table. The only reason I got the job was the owner grew up with me and always felt sorry for me. I worked for him until I was 21. I also worked part time a game store because I was friends with the owner who felt sorry for me so he gave me what work he could. Every job after I was 21 I was treated like the company pariah. I spent the days having things thrown at me, dodging cruel practicle jokes, and being insulted constantly. I tried putting out resumes and applications but due to my social anxiety I screwed them up coming off like an idiot. If i would have been diagnosed in my mid 20's I could have benifitted from job training, help with job interviews, and proper medication that could have helped with anxiety. I have never had a good paying job and still live with my parents who I know are getting sick of having me around for the past 4 decades. :roll: