Should i see doctor or pyschologist ?

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l0st0ne
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27 Jun 2013, 7:29 pm

about thinking i might be autistic? i already see a psychologist so should i bring it up with her or the doctor?



servicedogrights25
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27 Jun 2013, 8:31 pm

It all depends on what "doctor" you're talking about. If you're talking about a physical doctor, I don't really think that's the way to go (but that's my opinion). General practitioners and physical specialists (such as ear, nose, and throat doctors) will not know much, if anything, about autism. The best you can do is talk to your psychologist about possibly being autistic, and then ask what psychiatrists they can recommend you to (if they cannot diagnose you themselves). Sometimes a therapist can't give you psych evaluations, however, mine did. They just weren't as thorough as a Child Development Clinic within the same area. You're looking for someone to either hear a lot about you (your behaviors, meltdowns, stims, and special interests) or spend a few hours with you and observe that behavior themselves.
I wish you well! :)
~SDR



lost561
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27 Jun 2013, 8:35 pm

I would see somebody who specializes in the autism spectrum. Psychiatrist is what did it for me. Are you having problems where you want to try meds or just wondering if you are an aspie?



nikaTheJellyfish
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27 Jun 2013, 9:12 pm

I would discuss it with your psychologist. That is how I got diagnosed. Remember that autism is something that happens from childhood. You do not develop ASD later. In my case, I was evaluated by a psychologist at 7, a mere few months before DSM-IV came out officially recognizing Asperger's. Had my evaluation been 4 months later I would have been diagnosed at 7. As it was, I was diagnosed with 8 learning, social, speech, sensory, and movement disorders. However, my early diagnostic paperwork helped my psychologist confirm Asperger's as it showed evidence of the early development of issues.

Be honest and go open-minded. One thing that worked for me was for me to tell my psychologist my concerns without saying a disorder name. See if s/he gets to the same place you are at with it. Ask their opinion and listen. Self-diagnosis can be a very biased thing. Go into it ready to hear something you did not expect. Good luck!