I've been diagnosed! (And I spent the day in court)

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I finally received my formal diagnosis on Friday! I want to thank everybody on this site for their support. I met with the same doctor who at first had the "why are you wasting my time, there's no way" attitude, but she completely changed her mind after looking at the test results.

Today, I went to court to testify on behalf of an inmate who's gotten into trouble for misinterpreting part of a probation rule. I was called into the back room, and the judge stared at me like I was a freak of nature when I took my earplugs out. Then, to my horror...noooo! The defendant was basically defending himself, and asking all of the questions! (Because he so believed in his rightness, which is an aspie trait.)

Anyway, you can guess that the prosecutor and I didn't communicate very well. He asked me questions like "you say that you are autistic. Do you believe that you have a special bond with the defendant because you're autistic," etc. I perceived him to be kind of a dick.

Anyway, I hope I did more harm than good, although I don't think I could have done any more harm. I don't know if anyone in here works in a courtroom, but if you do, props to you, I don't know how you handle it.

- Fred

That kind of verbal bullying, that always bothers me.

I guess the prosecutor thinks of it as part of his job, but then I ask, why does a person think it's necessary to engage in an unethical job or do unethical things for the sake of a 'job'? Although many people do.

I think even a person with exceptionally good social skills would have trouble being in court and engaging with this situation.

With questions like that, I perceive him to be kind of a dick, too. Granted, it's his job, but that doesn't make it less dickish.

It's interesting that he made a point to say, "you say that you're autistic". If you have a formal diagnosis from a qualified professional, it's not you saying anything. For all practical purposes (and as far as the law is concerned), you simply are.

I'm glad you have your diagnosis now. I've always admired people who could speak well before a court (or any audience). What's your DX, btw? Don' forget to edit your profile and vote on the poll!

Thank you, although I don't think I spoke well enough. My Dx is Asperger's...where is the poll?

Voted!

@ Aberro...yes! That REALLY rubbed me the wrong way.

He may have been intending to rub you the wrong way, kind of like a poker player trying to get under another player's skin. And doesn't necessarily mean he or she's going to win the pot. I mean, it's not necessarily a winning move.

It's good that you have a diagnosis now.