On the Spectrum Diagnosis

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So I just started seeing a therapist. She is licensed and I picked her off the internet because the description said she had experience with autism. I just wanted to know, or have someone else confirm for me, that I do have some form of autism. She said I was on the spectrum after speaking with me for an hour. I wonder if that is unusual? I have taken some online tests prior to the session that made me suspect this diagnosis. I have lifelong social problems and some employment problems. My main problem now is that for the last 10 years I really haven't been able to sleep well. I have a high level of anxiety since I lost a job ten years ago and struggled to find another. I am now in a pretty good job, but the anxiety just hasn't left me. I am single and have one friend I can talk to. I hope this therapist helps and if not, what would be the next step? I am also wondering who, if anyone, I should tell that I have autism. My parents are elderly and I very much doubt they would understand or accept it.

If the clinician really understands and I mean really understands it, I could see them coming to that conclusion after an hour intake appointment. I would suggest though that a full assessment be done. This will help identify other areas that may be causing deficits as well as point out areas of strength. All of which will help develop a treatment plan to help manage the co-mornids that you may be facing due to autism (depression, anxiety, etc).

As for telling folks... it is situational I think. You are truly on the spectrum telling people has its' pros and cons. Whatever you decide, prepare yourself for varied responses. Peoples reference points on what autism is are usually inconsistent with the true reality of what it is and how it can look. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Kind regards. Shark

Anybody can claim anything on the internet and often get away with it. Anybody can read what the core autistic traits are, observe you and decide you are on the spectrum. An expert clinician guess will, of course, have a much better chance of being right. A legitimate clinician will give you a series of tests to confirm their hypothesis. A legitimate licensed clinician will write a diagnositic report. Without this report, the diagnosis is not official.

Is her license real? if it is real what exactly is her experience with autism? People on the spectrum often are not good at and dislike confrontation. You are paying her, you are her customer or client it is your right to ask her what her experience is with autism in older women and ask her to back up her claims before handing her more of your hard earned money. You can do some of the research yourself, has she published peer reviewed papers? does she have references from professional people?

I know I just depressed you but here is some good news there are reputable people out there that agree that if a person suspects they are autistic after a whole bunch of research they are probably right. And the experiences you described are pretty similar to what adults on the spectrum experience. That is enough for some people to move forward and start dealing with their problems.

It also should be noted that you possibly misinterpreted what actually happened in that session because you are autistic.

Good luck, keep us posted.

It would be unlikely to accurately diagnose someone (with about anything). As you say; there are too many variable to exclude before one could say definitely that one meets criteria for Autism. Schools and therapists hand out the Autism diagnosis like candy these days.

Thank you for your thoughts and feedback. Yes, I am sure the license the therapist has is legit. I don't have any concerns about her qualifications, but there are lots of therapists out there and I think its too soon to tell if she can help me or not. I think having another person to talk to (even if I have to pay them) is what I need right now. I am not sure how autistic I am since I have been able to remain employed and independent for many years. I must be at some mild level on the spectrum. This therapist also told me last session that I have PTSD. I guess that may be true, but I don't know, this is a new world for me. Overall, I feel better just being able to talk to someone about things.