Reasons for getting diagnosed?

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I was talking to my parents today about getting diagnosed with AS. One question that I couldn't answer was "Why do you want to get diagnosed?". Apart from feeling like an "official" diagnosis carries more weight than a self-diagnosis, I really couldn't think of any compelling reasons to get diagnosed. I know that I need some support and instruction with relationships (our marriage is in trouble) and parenting (I'm having an increasingly difficult time relating to my daughter as she gets older), but I don't know if having an official diagnosis will make any difference there.

For those who have chosen to get diagnosed, what do you think are some reasons for doing it?
Can anyone think of any compelling reasons NOT to get diagnosed? (So far the only one I can think of is that it's expensive - it will cost 1200 euros, and I don't know if insurance will cover it)

I don't know the reasons for me being diagnosed (in 1996). I was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in 1991 at age 11, but I never took notice of why I was diagnosed.

Tim

My son, who's 6, was diagnosed 2 or 3 months ago. My daughter, who's 11 is still doing some tests, but probably she also has asperger.
For what i've been reading, i too have the same problem.

Why to do anything now? i'm 38, i like my job, i learn how to deal with most of my problems. Can't see me getting on doctors now telling me it isn't normal not to have many friends if that doesn't boder me. you're rigth: why spend more money that i need for my kids?

Well, i'm divorced know. But who could tell if i knew this before i wouldn't be? Life goes on!

I wouldn't like my kids to go through what i've been. Beeing young was difficult. But know?

As a an adult diagnosed at 36, I was self-diagnosed then officially diagnosed 4 months later. For me the reason was to better understand myself. Especially on how and why I relate to NT people differently. I don't like labels myself and it's not like I'm going to advertise, "hey look at me I have Aspergers, treat me special." I did it, so I can help my self with personal relationships with NTs (especially my wife.) Now she understands me a little better but that has been a double edge sword since she uses it as an excuse and then gets made when I don't take a hint from her. She needs to quit giving hints and say what she wants. Knowing that I have Aspergers she should understand that I'm never going to get her hints. Once you are able to work these things out, it helps a relationship. This is just another example. There are many good reasons to better understand yourself. However, don't use the diagnoses to limit your capabilities. You will find that as you get older, it's easier to overcome the social inabilities and learn to adapt to at least partially understand NT's

-Scott

Partly, it was because I wanted to understand myself better. Also, I was in real danger of losing my job as I was acting out because they started assigning duties I couldn't cope with (phone shifts). Once I got the official diagnosis, I was classified as PWD (person with disability) and assigned modified duties.

It hasn't all been easy since then, but at least it has prevented a worse situation from happening. Had I lost that job, I doubt I would have found another and that would have been super depressing.

You know what? I'm starting to think a diagnosis will just f**k up my life even more. People are clueless and probably think of AS as being mentally ret*d. Jesus that will just give them a reason to look down on me even more. They certainly lack the capacity to shift their views on what is normal, atleast I imagine that's the case. If they find out that is, and you can bet people like to talk, especially people in my family... like my mother. *spit*

But what the f**k. I'll still be looked down upon as a weirdo or a loser to some people because I've CHOSEN not to participate in this meaningless thing called being social (and preparing to procreate in order to breed more happy puppy's to benefit society and the future of mankind as a whole). At least I won't be a fake aspie LOL! *shudder*

I'm not gonna rush just to get the DX right this very minute though, if I've made it this far it can wait a bit longer.

I partially got a diagnose to help deal with school issues (They would not assist me and my problems unless I had one.) and partially to understand myself better.

Well, I did some checking with my insurance company, and they will cover the cost of consultation and diagnosis, but probably won't cover therapy or medication if it's needed. So now my one compelling reason for not getting diagnosed is gone. I think the main reason I want to get diagnosed is to make it "official". My mom still thinks I'm just being a hypochondriac (which I am, but this is different ). I doubt I'll qualify for any aid from Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland) because I've been doing mostly OK for 29 years without even realizing I have AS.

1200 Euro does sound like alot. I'm glad you got that sorted. I would suppose the same cost situation applies to adults here too.