Question about diagnosis.

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After being a member of this forum for about 2 weeks, I am now almost convinced I am in fact an aspie.

I am going to ask for a diagnosis, but I am worried about getting a false non-diagnosis because, from what I heard (saw) on this forum and on many other places, there are many doctors who see some qualities that aren't "aspie" and use them to nullify the aspie traits. From what I've seen, female aspies are the most likely to be given a false non-diagnosis due to their greater tendency to "act neurotypical".

As I mentioned before, I am a female who can come across as quite neurotypical in social settings and I am worried this may wrongly affect the diagnosis.

Has this ever happened to anyone? Does anyone know what I can do to put my mind at rest about this potential problem? Are there any specific types of doctors that I should seek out?

That's very common with females on the spectrum. I am in the process of seeking diagnosis. It's a risk. I just made sure I picked a doctor with experience and talked with her about my concerns. The tests themselves are just what they are biased or not but its up to the doctor to interpret them. I'm fairly satisfied she asked me the right questions on interview. It helps to know yourself as much as possible why you suspect you are asd and specifically what in your history and what traits you have now that meet criteria.

Would recommend seeking out only a neuropsychologist who will perform an in-depth evaluation. The downside? These specialists are hard to find (especially for adults), take forever to get into, and the price. My evaluation cost 2.1k 5 years ago, but I'd assume the average price range would be 1-3k. There should be some sort of initial consultation where you can raise concerns and issues before the specialist would recommend a full evaluation.

I will say, though, that there is always a chance that you might not qualify for a diagnosis even if it's done by a specialist, so I would definitely fully prepare yourself for that possibility and not be quick to assume that it's a false negative.

The best thing is to be straight up. Say, "I want to know if I have Aspergers Syndrome." I also had my GP write in my mental health plan "Possible Aspergers". Once I did this, I was referred to a clinical psychologist who specialised in AS.
I also started collecting "evidence". I started writing dot points addressing sensory issues, communication, social issues, behaviours etc. I had two of my co-workers write reports about my difficulties at work. I had my mother write an account of my childhood.
In the end I got my self-diagnosis confirmed but I was satisfied without an official diagnosis because basically, there were no benefits to getting one (for a number of reasons) - but of course, that decision is up to you.
I understand your worries. I had the same thoughts. A good psychologist will have ways of diagnosing that break through the 'mask'.

I understand what you mean. 7 years ago I thought that too and was happy without a diagnosis because I thought it would make no difference. But since then many things happened that hindered me which I think wouldn't have been as much of a problem if my university was aware of my difficulties. I used to find it difficult to even step foot on campus back then and I'm incredibly surprised I managed to get my degree. There was another degree previous to that which I failed for that exact reason.

Even though I can't think of any specific issue that my diagnosis could help me with right now, I want to have it just in case it could help me in the future. I also want my family to understand me better - they expect me to act normal and I really don't want to. I act "normal" when I'm outside, but I'd like to at least be myself when I'm around them, and I'd like them to understand that I need to be alone more often than them and they shouldn't take offence to it.

I have a low functioning autistic brother (he only got diagnosed because he never learned to talk), and I suspect that my dad and a few of my other siblings are aspies too, but they would never want a diagnosis because they see it as a negative label. I think a diagnosis would do them good too if only to help them understand themselves better.

Yeah, definitely if you feel like you need an official diagnosis go for it.
It's a shame you can't be yourself around your family. I would reintroduce yourself gradually to get them used to the idea - this is what I had to do with my mother. Make sure you show them your 'superpowers' too so it's not all negative

If you are in the U.S., Easter Seals will provide a diagnosis and will often be able to provide a "scholarship" so that it won't cost you anything. They are very experienced and thorough with their testing. That's how I got my diagnosis in April. Then they can suggest people you can work with to help you work on your deficits.

Update!! !

I am in the process of getting a diagnosis. I had 2 intensive sessions with a psychiatrist where she asked a lot of questions about my life as it is currently, and also about my past.

I am supposed to get feedback + diagnosis (if necessary) in a few weeks.

I think and talk about it constantly and I think it bugs my mum. My mum has accused me of being a "bad person" and she thinks I am only seeking a diagnosis to excuse my actions (she can't stand it when I avoid being around my little sister because she thinks I hate her).

Anyway I'm too excited to be mad about my mum - I'll probably try to cut her out of my life as soon as I can anyway. I'll post the diagnosis results in this thread when I get it!

Good luck going forward.

That's great! I hope the information you get is really helpful to you.


That's horrible. I am sorry you have to experience that from someone who should be supporting you, not attacking you.

I hope you find your way to better circumstances and a happier future.

Wouldn't recommend you cut your mother out of your life. It seems a typical reaction to me when mothers learn that their daughter has ASD. Next time your mother upsets you go away and play some music to calm yourself down.

Calling their autistic daughter a "bad person" is a typical maternal reaction to the diagnosis??? Really???

People say things they don't mean and regret it later. That's just human behaviour for you. But I do agree with what you said. It was mean of her mother to say those things to her and she shouldn't have said it. But what does it achieve having a mother and daughter in an estranged relationship for the rest of their lives?

Depends on the mother. It could mean liberation and a better chance of happiness for the daughter.

Hi, I know this is an old thread but I have to respond in case anyone else is having problems with their own family.

I have gotten a positive diagnosis of asperger's since this thread was made and my mum now understands my difficulties and treats me much better. In fact she's like my best friend and I'm really glad I didn't cut her out of my life - she just went through a rough patch herself back then.

For anyone else who has problems with their family: don't sever any ties! Maybe they're having difficulties too... just weather through it.

My mom was a bit better, if a bit condescending at first. Her reaction was kind of like, "that's fine, dear, if it makes you feel better to think you're autistic." Then I gave her a bunch of stuff to read, and she came around to see that this really did sound like me (and also Dad. and Grandpa. and maybe even herself a little, which surprised me). I think there is an adjustment period for everybody. My brother has been slower to come around--he still makes comments about me being like a teenaged girl and how easy it was to get my temper stirred up when I was little (because he was bullying me). I think he thinks I'm using this as an excuse for bad behavior too. I really couldn't give a $%&@ what he thinks, because he was an out-of-control drug addict college dropout and I have a university degree and career, so NYAH NYAH NYAH.

Ok, he might have a point about the teenaged girl part.