Preparing for a path to diagnosis

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A few days back I asked if having an official diagnosis helps. Most of you said yes, so I finally took the step to get on the path of diagnosis.

I will be seeing a doctor that specializes in Aspergers Disorder, so I feel I found the right place. But, what should I expect from here?

I don't really want to dig too much into painful childhood memories that I worked so hard to get past. Truly, I don't want my family involved at all. This brings up terrible vulnerable feelings I don't want to go through. Will that be okay? (I'm a 23 year old female if that makes any difference).

Should I make a list of common symptoms I have? when I'm in front of doctors I tend to forget everything I want to say and panic.

My first appointment is tomorrow? I'm so nervous, what should I do?

Nothing. Maybe write down some stuff.

Definitely write down what you want to say and talk about

My suggestions for what they are worth ( I have not been officially diagnosed):
Make a list of the questions you want to ask.

Have a think about what you hope to gain by getting a diagnoses.

Remember most doctors are human too. If they are any good you will be able to discuss your concerns with them on friendly an equal basis.
You are going to them for their expertise, but they can and do sometimes get it wrong.

I get where you're coming from.
I am nervous about seeing someone to get diagnosed. I also don't want my family involved, but as I am 17, they will be, no way around it. I get nervous enough not being able to control what the therapist person says, never mind what my mom says. I worry that she will oversimplify something (like, I was social as a child, I looked pretty "normal", but inside, I was terribly anxious and didn't know what to say. I engaged in pretend play, but only could function as one roll) I always make a mental script before going to doctors (well, anywhere).

I selected yes to your poll. However, it's not that they scare me, they stress me when they don't listen and interrupt me when I'm trying to explain something. I am not in any awe of their position or qualifications, I am only scared about them doing the wrong thing, such as failing to diagnose me correctly or giving me incorrect treatment. They also frustrate and anger me. I don't like the God complex a lot of doctors have.

Regarding your assessment, I am sure they will try to get a lot of evidence from your childhood as this is part of the assessment process. That's not to say you can't be diagnosed without it, but it does make it harder (if you can't prove it was present in childhood, some clinicians will try to blame it on something else like avoidant personality disorder, general anxiety or something). If you don't want your parents involved, is there anyone else who knew you as a child that could input to the process? They can sometimes do telephone interviews and postal questionnaires with parents if you don't want your parents to be brought to the assessment.

Some clinicians will refuse to diagnose you without childhood history. This is not strictly ethical and shouldn't happen, but like I say, God complex - and also I do wonder whether it's their own insecurities about getting it wrong that they bluff it out and say no because of that.

The best thing you should do is to type up/write down key points about your traits that you can refer to. Don't force yourself to make eye contact if it makes it difficult to speak. Maybe bring along some information on the presentation of females with AS in case you get a clinician with outdated views.

Remember, above all, strip any social mask back to be your true self. That can be a hard thing to do when you have evolved a way of coping socially but if you don't it could confuse them and unenlightened clinicians will believe it's impossible for you to have AS if you come across too well.

Also, note down as many key points about your childhood as possible. They may want to verify things via school reports (if you have those bring them along), medical records, staff performance review reports, maybe you have some videos of you as a child?

The more you can bring the better but don't waste your time if this is just an initial screening appointment bring it to the full assessment appointment.