Is diagnosis worth it for a mild adult??

Page 1 of 1 [ 7 posts ] 

Frankie_J
Sea Gull
Sea Gull

User avatar

Joined: 26 Feb 2011
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Posts: 213
Location: Kent, UK

14 Oct 2012, 12:55 pm

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.



antifeministfrills
Pileated woodpecker
Pileated woodpecker

User avatar

Joined: 12 Aug 2012
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Posts: 191

14 Oct 2012, 1:50 pm

Frankie_J wrote:
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.


I'm in the UK and my college want proof so that they know I'm legit about struggling with group work etc.



TonyHoyle
Snowy Owl
Snowy Owl

User avatar

Joined: 1 Sep 2012
Age: 54
Gender: Male
Posts: 131
Location: UK

14 Oct 2012, 1:59 pm

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
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 14 Feb 2011
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,032
Location: mostly, in my head.

14 Oct 2012, 2:01 pm

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.


_________________
Female. Dx ASD in 2011 @ Age 38. Also Dx BPD


Marybird
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 26 Apr 2012
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,818

14 Oct 2012, 3:05 pm

If you have problems with something that often goes with Aspergers, such as dispraxia, or a sensory processing disorder, or social awkwardness, you can always bring that up without mentioning Aspergers.



dyingofpoetry
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 25 Apr 2010
Age: 60
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,202
Location: Fairmont, WV

14 Oct 2012, 3:18 pm

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.


_________________
"If you can't call someone else an idiot, then you are obviously not very good at what you do."


Si_82
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 17 Sep 2012
Gender: Male
Posts: 525
Location: Newcastle, UK

14 Oct 2012, 3:23 pm

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.


_________________
AQ46, EQ9, FQ20, SQ50
RAADS-R: 181 (Language: 9, Social: 97, Sensory/Motor: 37, Interests: 36)
Aspie Quiz: AS129, NT80
Alexithymia: 137