Just had 1st diagnosis interview

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Hi folks. Not long back from my first interview. Got one more in a fortnight and then a third for feedback.

Not really sure now what to think! I've been told i definitely display some AS traits. I was also asked why a diagnosis is important because to give one they have to see that it is worthwhile to me. Gave an answer but will put a better one down on paper for the next appointment. Thought I was all prepared but when they start asking the questions I was so conscious at not wanting to give the wrong impression.

I've been given a long questionaire for my parents to complete. I think that may be the stumbling block. I'm not confident they will answer as well as I need them to.

Anyway now for another frustrating two weeks

Of course, If you were a child, they would not throw up unnecessary screening barriers like that. I've always suspected that it's made more difficult to get a diagnosis as an adult for some reason. IMHO

Yeah, gotta love all the barriers. I know the psychiatrist was genuinely puzzled as to why I wanted it diagnosed: he almost saw it as I would someone asking to be arrested and put in jail. I pretty much know a formal dx is out of the question because I know my mother will NEVER answer honestly and admit I was anything other than a "perfect" child. I was told in no uncertain terms no parental interview = no diagnosis. What a load of BS! I guess no orphan can have AS by that definition

I think it's doable, but complicated.
My family alienated abused, and psychologically tortured me so I have no contact with them, not of any ongoing nature anyway.
The only recent contact has been me sending letters to them advising of my concerns, and a recent one advising of my diagnosis of ASD, and explaining that although undiagnosed ASD has been a problem for me for 41 years, their treatment of me has made things in my life more complicated and worse, and though I don't blame them for not getting me diagnosed, I certainly hold them responsible for the negative influence they have been in my life.
If you feel there is undue pressure to get your parents involved and you are an adult, it may be worthwhile seeking someone that specialises in ASD, rather than a generalised shrink who is looking for someone else to do the hard work for them.

I had the idea to ask for a specialist, though I assumed only a specialist would agree to diagnose it. So now I'm doubly certain I should be firm that I want to speak to a specialist.

Well I have contacted my mother and she is more than happy to complete the questionaire. I am thinking though that I may try and persuade her to allow me to sit with her when she does it.

One issue I feel I may have is that throughout my childhood and now adulthood, I have kept everything to myself. My parents have no idea of any thoughts or feelings I had or have now. I never shared anything with them even as a young child.

Early in my life while at High School, I was "Diagnosed" with LD, I assume Non-Verbal. I don't remember ever receiving any paperwork to the fact and my mother never showed me any when she was alive.
I was very concerned that others would label me mentally defective so I decided to cognitively lock it away and never talk about it. I somehow knew then that it would affect my entry into the Army and future employment. And, I thought I would just "Grow Out of it" as I got older and overcome the dysfunction and anxiety.
I believe I have been able to train myself to act and compensate in certain situations, but for the most part, it's still there, especially when I'm stressed. I've only recently told a few close friends I trust. I think for me, a correct autism diagnosis will be a nice confirmation that I was not delusional this whole time!!

They didn't ask me for have a parent interview or a questionare for my parent to fill out. I would assume that would partly because I've been seeing mental health professionals since I was 14 and my entire history probably is documented. So I'm curious, anyway someone can share what is in that questionare for the parents?

"My" psychologist didn´t question why at all.
He thinks, that it is very natural to want to know about yourself and learn all about AS/ADHD or whatever you´ve got, even if it is vey mild, in order to manage as well as possible.

Last edited by Jensen on 25 Jul 2013, 5:20 am, edited 1 time in total.

There are verious sections each covering certain ages. The first asks questions about the child's first 12 months. Then years 1-3. The parent is asked all sorts of questions relating to movement, actions, speech and so on and so forth. I see the relevance however after almost 40 yrs how accurate can you expect a person to be!

Was wondering if someone could go into more detail on what goes on in the screenings/diagnosis process? I'm going for my first apt. with a doctor just to get a referral in order to get a proper diagnosis for myself as an adult. Because of past experiences with professionals I have anxiety about going through this process and it would help me to know what I was in for.

What kind of questions do they ask? How personal and deep does it get? As an adult would they still need a parental questionare? How long is the process? etc. etc.