Diagnostic Procedure

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I wonder is some of the adults among us, who have been diagnosed as an adult, could tell us exactly what a formal diagnosis consists of.

The main reason for my lack of interest is the belief that all the person making the diagnosis does is go through a list of diagnostic certeria, then ask me if I do those things, so effectively, I would be making the diagnosis myself anyway.

Am I close?

It depends on the doctor that you go to. If you see somebody who isnt familiar with AS, then he will probably just compare you to the DSM 4 and tell you yes or no. Since an uninformed doctor knows just as much (maybe less) about AS then you do, you would be more qualified to diagnose it then him.

If you want an actual diagnosis from somebody who knows what they are doing, you need to look up somebody who specializes in the area. What I did was go to this website:

https://www.lww-trans.com/clinicianSearch.laww

Fill in the area where you live, then choose 'pervasive developmental disorder' from the list of areas of expertise. This will give you a good list of doctors to look into. Keep in mind, this only works in the US where United health has coverage.

Talking. Lots and lots of talking.

Mostly about how I am and why I am that way. I mean, there are several reasons for routines, bad social ability and so on and not just AS.

And a few tests. Questionnaires, mood checks, AS-test.


I assume that most people don't go to professionals and actually know what's the matter with them. It makes a huge difference to be very aware of your traits and symptoms and what a disorder actually means (from a lay-person's perspective).

My diagnosis was spread out over about 8 half-day sessions over two months (pay as you go deal). Had a prelim interview to see if I liked them and was asked to put together a brief writen outline of my life and what I perceived my problems to be. Started with two 2 hour long interviews. Three or 4 computer based tests looking for ADD type stuff. Computer based facial type tests trying to figure what people were think of. Five or six writen test. two Q&A tests with a clinician of some kind, a hearing test and ne was unbearable long writen test. Then more interviews and an interview with my mother. My father is deceased. Three different doctors were involved and each seemed to be looking for particular things.

After four years of talking my way through the DSM IV criteria with a succession of health workers, I'm currently trying for a final diagnosis. The process, as I see it at present, has involved an approach to the local autism support organisation, a review with a psychologist of the DSM IV criteria and my fit within them to be submitted to the diagnostic review group of that organisation, and - still to come - a diagnosis with a psychiatrist. Completing all that to the satisfaction of that diagnostic review group will, I trust, result in my name being added to the list.

It's interesting that GPs aren't viewed by the diagnostic group as reliable authorities. Interesting too that the whole process seems focussed towards youngsters with socially able carers who can propel them through the process.

I certainly agree about the youngsters thing. The psychiatrists I saw had never seen anybody near my age who actually lead a half way normal life for so long before having troubles and as a result I've been asked to particpate in several studies around the country for other doctors. In the early research period I did I was actually turned down by several doctors who just came outright and told me they don't see adults period.

I was diagnosed by a neuropsychologist after 6 hours of testing. I've also been diagnosed by a psychologist after two hours of her asking me questions related to the DSM and interviewing me on my childhood, adult social life and romantic relationships plus she talked to me probably 30 minutes on phone prior to my first visit.

But I've also had my physician of over 5 years just tell me one day I think you have AS. I also went to a neurologist (not for AS) but mentioned to her that my physician said she thought I have AS and the neurologist replied not so nicely "no s**t I could tell the minute you walked in the door". Ahem... so I think it varies widely but a good formal diagnosis should be with a phD neuropsych or psych and should involve some time talking over past and present experiences.