The Diagnosis Process - What's It Like?

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I'm in my late 20s, I am currently looking into getting an official diagnosis for my suspected AS. What's the process of getting diagnosed for AS like for an adult? How long does it take? Is it worth the payoff? I'd love to get whatever thoughts you have on the topic.

If you want or need any therapies or programs that would be paid for by the government or an insurance plan, then yes, you would need an official diagnosis.

Many of us, myself included are satisfied with self diagnosis through research and online testing. Also, in my case my sister eventually learned about Asperger's, on her own and saw me in the info, and told me she thought I have it. At that point I told her that I had already come across the info on my own and agreed with it and had taken one of the online tests, which also confirmed it for me. I follow the rule of duck. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck! So I'm an Aspie duck.

I see no point in my getting an official diagnosis. I am no longer a child, or other wise in school, so I don't need any school program assistance. I am no longer able to work due to other health problems, so I don't need any work assistance programs, and I am not interested in therapy or drugs, as I was taken to many psych docs and therapists as a child--before spectrum disorders were recognized as such. I hated the experience and the side effects of the drugs--which didn't help at all anyway. So in my case there is no benefit to be gained by an official diagnosis that I can see. However, each person must decide the merits of his/her own case, or that of their child.

I'll say this much: It's pretty amazing how much on this forum I can directly relate to.

OP, you don't say where you live. The process you'd have to go through to get an official diagnosis depends largely upon geography and the system under which you dwell.

If you're in the UK, you'd normally see your GP, who will then refer to you a psychiatrist However, if you see a psychiatrist due to mental health issues, you may not need to see your GP.

I am at this stage now. They will need to speak to your parents too.

Needles. Lots of needles.

My psychologist knew me for about a year before she told me that I have Asperger's. I am an adult, so I didn't see the need for any testing, nor did my psychologist. She had been observing my Asperger's traits for a long period of time and knew that I had it. Some other people go through testing to get the diagnosis. I think it really depends on your needs. For example, if I had needed a quicker diagnosis, I could have gone for testing and gotten it in a few weeks (or however long it takes) as opposed to my therapist observing my behavior for a year.

http://turtleisaverb.blogspot.com/2011/ ... sisprocess

(The first part of that post, above where that link sends you is a description of what lead me to get a diagnosis. Some details might be in that area.)

As for what do you get from it:
http://turtleisaverb.blogspot.com/2011/ ... nosis.html

As for the parents:
My parents were part of my diagnosis as well.

I'm in the US, and am over 50. Both my parents are gone, so they can't provide a report. I've always been out of step and a bit off: socially clueless, insomniac, bookworm, painfully shy, etc. I work in IT, where aspy traits are common. I am undecided about getting an official diagnosis -- probably no practical purpose for me personally, but it might benefit the next generation for us oldsters to stand up and be counted -- imho: there is NO epidemic. merely better awareness, recognition and record keeping.

questions:
* Once I contact a doctor who specializes in Autism, how long does it take to get a diagnosis? Would it involve alot of expensive tests or just an interview?

* Is there any information I should try to get from any of the older generation (I have an aunt still around who was close to my folks)?


Your Aspie score: 142 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 64 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie