Semi-Diagnosis

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I went to a psychologist today to start the diagnosis process. He wouldn't state that I have Asperger's, but said "You're definitely on the spectrum," which I found strange. I mean, if I'm on the spectrum, and I didn't have a language delay, wouldn't that mean I have Asperger's? Maybe he said that because it's not 'official' yet. He wants me to do more testing, like an IQ test and some others. Normally I'd say no, because it costs more money, but I could use the education benefits. I'm also an Army veteran in the inactive reserve, so having an official diagnosis means the Army won't ever call me back again

I feel really strange. I'm 28, and never thought or considered I might be autistic until the last couple weeks. Having a psychologist actually tell me "you're on the spectrum" is a total mind-warp. I find myself looking back on all kinds of memories and seeing them through a different perspective. I feel some relief, since now I know why I often feel like I'm a member of a different species, but at the same time, I feel some sadness, since I now know that the condition which makes me feel that way is permanant.

I thought I'd post on here since I don't really know anyone who would know what this is like. I know many people on here have gone through this. I think I got most of this under control, but I would still welcome advice from those who want to give it/have gone through this themselves. Thanks.

Last edited by Arius_Reborn on 20 Apr 2011, 6:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I'm not sure what advice to give. It's a personal journey. Now that you know which of your shortcomings are related to autism you can more easily work to fix them, but you already know that.

Maybe he isn't sure whether to diagnose you with HFA, AS or PDD-NOS?

I don't think it really matters what the label is. In 2013, it will all be under Autistic Disorder, anyway. HFA implies a speech delay (according to the DSM), so since the OP stated that he has no speech delay, that is not it. So then it's either AS or PDD-NOS. My view is that the labels don't matter so much as the actual effect that the condition has on your life.

If the assessment will give you crucial accommodations, then go for it. As for being on the spectrum, it's not like it's anything new. It's just a label added to something that you have experienced for your whole life. All I can say in terms of advice is, learn to live with it. Explore it, and then embrace it. Learning new information about it will perhaps give you fresh insight about yourself, and knowing yourself well is essential for success in life.

Well, we did all the tests and such. The diagnosis is now official.