ASD assessment

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I asked my GP to refer me for an ASD assessment a few weeks ago and yesterday I had an appointment with a new psychiatrist. He obviously got her referral as he knew I had asked for an assessment. I took in the nine pages I printed out of everything I think indicates Asperger's, in case he had got her letter.
In a nutshell, he asked me many, many questions, skimmed over what I'd printed (said he'd read it properly after as appointment was limited time), and also listened to my husband's thoughts. He seemed to listen and understand, but I'm a little confused. At the end of the appointment, he said I very clearly had high functioning Asperger's, but that he didn't want to diagnose me on paper. He said he would rather verbally diagnose me, so it would later be up to me to disclose that information to people (say for instance if I was going for a job, or wanted to emigrate etc.) because it could make things difficult.
I understand this, and at the moment I don't think it bothers me if it's not on paper. But on the other hand, if it's not on my medical record then what if people didn't believe me? As in, professionals like GPs etc. I'm not sure how important that is.
My aim was to have a definitive answer either way. The thing is, I don't know if this is how it's done? I thought, as I have read, that it can be a long process rather than one single appointment? Or is it sometimes carried out like this?
I'm in the UK.

I understand his opinion about letting you disclose if and when you might need to do so. But, future educational, governmental or corporate supports might be lost if you can't provide a written diagnosis with corresponding ICD-diagnostic codes. So, I would ask him to provide you a written diagnosis on his professional letterhead, signed and dated by him, for your personal use "just in case" you eventually need to disclose for supports. He might see the wisdom in doing so while understanding that he isn't disclosing to others (government) in your behalf.

Ok thanks, that makes sense. They usually follow up with a written report of the appointment, would that be enough for people if I needed proof?

Do they not have any concept of medical privacy in the U.K.? Why should your diagnosis matter for the average job or for when you go abroad? What, if you have a certain diagnosis, the U.K. bans you from leaving the country?

By the way, welcome to WrongPlanet.net, MoonAndStars!

Yeah, geez. I have a neurological disorder and had to have a neuropsychological assessment once to get baseline IQ and whatnot in case I have a cognitive decline later (that's a cheery thought, isn't it?). The doctor did this same thing with me. Told me things verbally that he didn't document. Later, at my disability trial, I had to tell the judge the things the doctor told me and luckily he believed me. Why not just put these things on paper? I don't know why they think they're doing anyone a favor.

Once you get a diagnosis on paper, you can use this for any accommodations you need at work or anywhere else in public. It's not uncommon for autistic adults to develop anxiety or depression due to being in social or physical circumstances that are not suited for them, so they may need low dose medication. But it's good to have the autism diagnosis because may autistic people only need like half of the lowest dose. And you can still choose who to disclose or not disclose to.

Started therapy after my husband died and I struggled to keep the house running. I never realized how much he did to keep me on track. My therapist suspected Aspergers and referred me to a psychologist. The psychologist is convinced that I have Aspergers but said she wouldn't diagnose me without testing. So I was referred to a neuropsychologist. I had round 1 of 2 hours of neuropsych testing last week and go again in a few weeks. Formal diagnosis...or not...is July 31. I am terrified that the doctor will say no after I finally feel like my life and what I do is starting to make sense. Anyway all that to say that nobody here would give a written diagnosis until after neuropsychological testing. Not sure what the formal diagnosis will get me other than maybe some personal understanding but perhaps if I continue to struggle with holding a job I will be able to get some kind of government assistance.

Thanks for your reply obviously I'm not very good at replying quickly either so no problem there - it's not that I don't try it just seems that I get sidetracked and then forget to check. Sorry for your loss as well. I don't think people that haven't lost someone like that can really relate and at 49 I don't really know any younger widows. I'm in the US not the UK. Got to meet with the neuropsychologist today who confirmed Aspergers and ADD but because I had to do some additional testing we didn't really get time to discuss the results other than a quick overview. I am to receive the detailed report next week. Looking forward to seeing what it says in more detail and then to research his analysis. Feel free to PM me any time as well. Hopefully we have more in common than the loss of a spouse.