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My understanding of the meaning of diagnosis is that it is done by the appropriately qualified professional, i.e. someone with the right degree and experience, and who is in a professional not personal relationship with you. If you figure out what your own problems are it is not really a diagnosis.

Having said that it sounds like you know a world more about yourself than any professional, like most of us do - so your description is probably more accurate than the professional diagnoses you have received but it is still not a diagnosis.

Also what you have said about professionals is extremely hurtful and insulting. I know some of them who are like you describe, but the majority are like me - extremely hard working and ethical, and want to help. If we wanted lots of money we would have studied something else. Just because you think you have a higher IQ than most of them is no reason to disrespect people, and that works both ways. I am sorry if you have been treated badly in the past.

My bad, it seems medical diagnosis as a term does not necessarily preclude non-professionals but it seems to be implied in the description of how it is done.

However, I would still assert that it is best done by a professional person, even when you know more about yourself and the disorders (and there is nothing wrong with knowing about it, its very empowering)

I am sorry and I mean no disrespect to professionals.

I recall a time when a psychiatrist had me taking Haldol and I went into convolutions because I guess I did not take enough cogentine? I crawled into a mall until they called the ambulance. I was in High School then back in 1978. I had one problem about four years ago with a boss who yelled at me and the company made me see a psychiatrist. I was on so many medications I could not pee and I had to have a catheter put in. Long story but I was bullied at work and several people in this large organization either quit or got a transfer which leads me to think it was not all me. the meds were very interesting, I would have a conversation with say you and I could not remember we talked? I think he had me one 5 meds and one was Abilify?

I am doing fine today and I take a very low dose of Fluxotine from my GP. That is all I take. I am successful and get along fine at my current job. My past experience has not been great with mental health especially at the request of the past company.

Please feel free to PM me if you want to discuss further I would be glad to chat there or via cell. It is unfortunate that many Aspies are unemployed but that has not been my case. I do twice the work than any other accounting manager and I am on special projects all the time because of my advanced skills in excel and access databases. I enjoy being valued and I love to contribute my knowledge. I am not perfect and I realize that too.

Thanks for the comments, you are one of the special ones!

Bill

A Neuro-psychiatrist, can be more expensive, and may not be covered by your insurance policy, but they specialize in ASD's, and offer extensive testing, that other professionals do not offer. Both my sister and I had no trouble getting diagnosed in our mid to late 40's, with no medical history of problems associated with it.

Both of us were diagnosed with Aspergers, and my diagnosis was changed to PDD NOS, after I reported that I had a speech delay until age 4. They did not ask for any verification of that, nor could they expect me to have verification of it at age 47.

Neither of us visited a neuro-psychiatrist, but we had a friend at a similiar age that saw a neuro-psychiatrist, and the testing she received was much more extensive, than what we received.

It probably not common for a psychiatrist to come across many individuals undiagnosed with an ASD, in midlife; some may not have encountered it during a short career. However those that specialize in it like a Neuro-psychiatrist, are likely much more familiar with diagnosing ASD's in adults.

There is a huge benefit in a professional diagnosis in some countries for those that need help from the government to survive. But, it is rare that an adult would be qualified for assistance, in the US, based on a diagnosis of Aspergers alone in mid-life after a successful work career.

However, protection in the job environment is almost a certainty with protection from discrimination or accommodation in the workplace with the American's with Disabilities Act.

Bi-Polar disorder and OCD are common-comorbid conditions in Aspergers, and a mis-diagnosis of schizophrenia is possible, because psychosis is reported in tandem with some cases of Aspergers as well, and schizotypal thinking is not uncommon in Aspergers.

The ICD10 reports occurrences of psychosis and Aspergers, but the DSMIV does not. Awareness and support of Aspergers is greater in the UK than it is in the US, though. It probably means more exposure to more adults, newly diagnosed with ASD's, in the clinical environment.

Professionals are influenced by their clinical experience. As adults we learn to hide some of the social/communication symptoms associated with Aspergers, without even consciously being aware of that is what we are doing.

It get's us through life, but a professional may only see OCD, Anxiety, Depression, or Bi-polar, instead of Aspergers because the social communication impairments specific to Aspergers are not as apparent, and ASD's are are not something they expect to see in an adult without a previous diagnosis.

Neuropsychiatrists do extensive testing that uncover issues that may not be apparent through observation in a 30 minute visit.

It took my sister 8 visits for the decision of her diagnosis to be made. But, it only took me one visit.

I had no idea what the social communication issues were, but apparently I did not learn to hide them very well. Everyone pointed out to me that I was odd my entire life, but they never put their finger on why, anymore than I could. The psychiatrist had the experience to identify it in one session.

While some have bad experiences with psychiatrists, some adults would never have any idea they have Aspergers if it was not for their expertise. Many people have no idea that such a disorder even exists.

Last edited by aghogday on 07 Mar 2012, 10:51 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Thanks for the response.

What you say makes complete sense to me here in the US. Unfortunately, most of my visits have been to a Psychiatrist which is the typical 30 minute meeting and no tests. I have tried the following brief list of medications and many more.

Haldol
Cogentin
Mellaril
Thorazine
Lithium
Abilify
Xanex
Valium
Lexapro
Celexa
Prozac
Zoloft

Mostly I have been mis-diagnosed according to taking many on-line tests to determine my issues. But I must admit the Meds were fun to play with in the past.

I recall seeing a special doctor in first grade because I refused to speak. Speak only at home. Private Catholic school, had to stay late and was made fun of in from of the class. I ran away every chance I got inn first grade and was able to avoid the police cars. I got good at it so young.

I have a whole history that fits in so well with Aspergers. But that is my diagnosis.

Thanks for the reply:)

Bill