I'm officially diagnosed - NOT Aspie.
Met the psych today and was interviewed for about an hour. After listening to me and observing me, he is under the impression that I'm not an Aspie. He did, however, conclude that I have a rather large social anxiety disorder, and that I should seek additional treatment that would include increasing my anti-depressant and counseling. He also gave me leads to pursue should I want a second opinion, but honestly after listening to him ask me "the right questions" and pondering on my responses, I'm pretty sure he pegged me well.
Interesting to note though - he encouraged me continuing to come to Wrong Planet to learn and discuss what's going on in my head. Although he wasn't familiar with the site beyond the name, when I described it to him and he believed it was a good resource for me.
I'm going to take a few weeks to digest it all to decide my next plan of action, beyond going back to my GP with his recommendations. In the meantime, please share your thoughts - opinions and other insights always valued.
_________________
Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed. -- G. K. Chesterton
Officially diagnosed autistic. September 2023, suspected since 2010.
Acting, right now I'm reading up on something called postmodernism. One of the fundamental tenets of postmodernism is questioning the meaning of meaning. While the postmodernists are a bit too nihilistic and skeptical for my tastes, they do have something of a point.
What I'm getting at is that whether or not you have AS (a truth proposition) isn't as important as whether or not what is on offer here is of use and value to you. So, if you really want to know if you have AS, I can guess you're disappointed. If you find people and advice here you can relate to, and have a salutary effect on you, I think that is far more important than some kind of official diagnosis. At least it is for me.
The only real disappointment I feel is in not knowing myself as well as I thought I did. It's hard to really be disappointed with discovering that aspects of my personality that I dislike CAN change with some training and work. Not everyone reading this has that option, so I am grateful.
_________________
Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed. -- G. K. Chesterton
Officially diagnosed autistic. September 2023, suspected since 2010.
Did you self-diagnose before seeking a legitimate diagnosis?
Did you self-diagnose before seeking a legitimate diagnosis?
I know where you're going here. After much study, I did, but I didn't share it with anyone beyond my wife, a couple of close friends and on here. As far as work goes, they just know I had a doctor's appointment, not what it was for.
I sought an official diagnosis for my peace of mind and potential ramifications in the future, and I don't think one "needs" a doctor/psych evaluation unless you are seeking the same.
_________________
Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed. -- G. K. Chesterton
Officially diagnosed autistic. September 2023, suspected since 2010.
Hm, your aspie score is higher than mine and your NZt score is lower than mine, yet I'm officially diagnosed. I wonder what that means?
_________________
Cinnamon and sugary
Softly Spoken lies
You never know just how you look
Through other people's eyes
Autism FAQs http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt186115.html
Acting, I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea that you've known yourself all your life and think you're an Aspie but a guy who has known you an hour says you're not and we go with his opinion. Granted, he has a Ph.D., but he is relying on your answers to his questions and a very limited observation of you to make his DX. An hour meeting with a new psych is not a natural situation and if you're like me, you might not exhibit some of the same traits in that environment that you would elsewhere or with someone you were more comfortable with. Actually, I have social anxiety so you are probably like me! My psych diagnosed me as an Aspie after a year of talk therapy for depression. I grew comfortable with her and she was able to DX me based on my behavior and things I related to her. I never had even considered AS because I didn't know about it.
So, your psych might be right, but he might also change his opinion some day.
ITDE, I understand and to a degree, I'm right there with you. However, I'm only at the very beginning my journey on this really - only really been researching AS for about 6 months. To disregard a learned professional's POV simply because it doesn't agree with my own isn't something I'm prepared to do yet.
Fortunately, he did give me resources to chase a 2nd opinion that I didn't have access to before that I may ultimately use, but right now I think I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't look closer at social anxiety and it's treatment first. If I'm AS, I'll always be AS, so no hurry.
_________________
Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed. -- G. K. Chesterton
Officially diagnosed autistic. September 2023, suspected since 2010.
Acting, I get that. My social anxiety is more pronounced than my AS, which is mild, and was debilitating before treatment. So it's good that you've identified that and hopefully can get some relief. Parts of my personality that I didn't even know existed came out once the social anxiety was treated. It truly is a journey of self-discovery!
Reynaert
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Age: 51
Gender: Male
Posts: 73
Location: Netherlands
btbnnyr
Veteran
Joined: 18 May 2011
Gender: Female
Posts: 7,359
Location: Lost Angleles Carmen Santiago
The assessment seemed very short, OP. But if the psych's explanations make sense to you, then it's good to get this diagnosis to work on the social anxiety. If the therapies turn out to make no sense or are completely ineffective, then you could always reconsider the ASD and seek a second opinion.
Good for you!
I think it would also be useful for those seeking (1) greater understanding of why they are the way they are, (2) any Social Service benefits, and (3) future consideration with regard to education, hiring, housing, and obtaining a bank loan.
Does your government recognize AS/ASD as a disability?
I'm in the States, yes it does. But I'm currently making more than it would pay, with no sign/reason that will change, and it's VERY hard to get. My wife is filing for four different physical impairments, and she's been waiting on her first appeal for a year now. Last thing I want to deal with!
_________________
Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed. -- G. K. Chesterton
Officially diagnosed autistic. September 2023, suspected since 2010.
... perhaps ... but have you ever considered using your official diagnosis as your "Ace In The Hole" in case your current employer goes on a downsizing spree?
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