Is diagnosis worth it for a mild adult??
I strongly suspect I have mild, perhaps high functioning aspergers syndrome. I've been put through a lot of hassle already by the NHS who have messed me around and referred me to all the wrong specialists (ADHD, for example) and have been waiting since April 2011 to see somebody. It's coming to the point now where I don't know whether it's worth it anymore. I really try to cope with whatever I have because it's mild and only really wanted the diagnosis as a backup if I have difficulties at any future workplace. Just as a way to say "Sorry, I'm having difficulty with this/can't do this because I have AS." But do I need an official diagnosis for that? Isn't just explaining enough in my case? No one would want medical proof. would they? Because I really don't want to have to wait even longer and go through A LOT of emotional stress with a psychiatrist... especially when I'm almost certain they'll drag me through all that just to tell me I'm too mild to be diagnosed with anything. That would be EXTREMELY stressful and put me back at square one again.
So what do you think? Should I bother or not? Could I still get access to any kind of support if a difficulty were to arise without a diagnosis? I think the main reason I wanted it originally was because if something difficult happened at work (whether it be with the actual job at hand or socially with colleagues) I could tell them why it's difficult or why I am the way I come across.
So what do you think? Should I bother or not? Could I still get access to any kind of support if a difficulty were to arise without a diagnosis? I think the main reason I wanted it originally was because if something difficult happened at work (whether it be with the actual job at hand or socially with colleagues) I could tell them why it's difficult or why I am the way I come across.
I'm in the UK and my college want proof so that they know I'm legit about struggling with group work etc.
Depends on whether it'd help in any way. Theoretically it forces employers to accommodate any issues you have, but if you have a half decent employer they'll do that anyway (in their interest since it makes you more productive).
I don't think there's much support out there in the UK.. round here there's a support group for parents, and that's it. So the diagnosis doesn't do much except provide something you might have to disclose to future employers.
Last edited by TonyHoyle on 14 Oct 2012, 2:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
YellowBanana
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Joined: 14 Feb 2011
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,032
Location: mostly, in my head.
It really depends on your workplace. If they are a generally accommodating workplace, you'll be able to talk with your manager if you have any difficulties and come up with something that works on the understanding that we are all individuals with different strengths and weaknesses. I wouldn't bring up Asperger Syndrome unless you actually have a diagnosis.
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Female. Dx ASD in 2011 @ Age 38. Also Dx BPD
Much like Marybird says, if you are having difficulties that negatively affect your job, your ability to form relationships, ability to live independently, etc., then you should get a diagnosis. If you have been living happily and have adjusted well without a diagnosis, then just recognize yourself on the spectrum for your own sense of belonging in the world and no one ever needs to know if you choose not to share.
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"If you can't call someone else an idiot, then you are obviously not very good at what you do."
I am in a similar boat. I am awaiting referral to somewhere who has experience diagnosing AS in adults. I suspect that I may be classed as sub-clinical which would rob me of the diagnosis that I may need for work someday. However, the main reason I want an assessment would be for my own piece of mind. It would explain so much about me and I feel I need this properly answering before I can move on with my life - kinda feel in limbo right now.
I suppose it comes down to the individual. Some want a diagnosis for practical reasons, others just for the knowledge and I suppose there are those who want it ruling out or who would rather not know.
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AQ46, EQ9, FQ20, SQ50
RAADS-R: 181 (Language: 9, Social: 97, Sensory/Motor: 37, Interests: 36)
Aspie Quiz: AS129, NT80
Alexithymia: 137
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