Hello! getting a diagnosis

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Ah! One of the things I've learned (relatively recently) is that the definition of "Autism" has been changing.

From what you've been saying I will guess that your diagnosis could quite likely be the same as mine: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1 (Mild). (Your AQ of 41 is about the same as mine, 40.) That diagnosis is per DSM-5 which is the current guidance used within the U.S., though not in all countries.

But DSM-5 was only published in 2013. Before that was DSM-IV which would have diagnosed the same "symptoms" as Asperger's Syndrome. DSM-IV was published in 1994 and was the first DSM version to include Asperger's Syndrome. Before 1994 those very same "symptoms" could not have been diagnosed using the earlier versions of the DSM! Those "symptoms" would not have been strong enough to qualify as "Autism" in those early DSMs.

So, you might now be undiagnosed on the Spectrum while from 1994 to 2013 you might have been undiagnosed Asperger's Syndrome, and before that instead of having "symptoms" you just had quirks.

And, thank you all for your patience with me and this infodumping. When the psychologist informed me of my diagnosis she asked what I thought of it. I had four thoughts, the third of which was "Oooh! Maybe this could be a new 'special interest'!" (And I've been interested in playing with computers for a long time, hence my urge to play with BBCodes.)

I had to look up (ie. click your link, thank you for that) what BBCodes were, I wondered how you did all the cool things with the colors in your text! That's awesome! I don't mind info dumping at all, I find it very interesting! And yes, that is just what I was thinking as well, as a kid when they looking at me for autism it was just "quirks".

I understand that it is really hard for children to get a diagnosis. I am unsure if the docs you visited were ADHD specialists, but you could try looking for a hospital, office, or clinic that deals with ASD.

About your diagnosis. I was diagnosed last year at the age of 56--obviously, I was not in a rush (actually, ASD had not been invented when I was a kid). However, circumstances made me seek out a diagnosis. When I was diagnosed, I was very relieved, not only because it explained so much of my life, but also gave me a framework with which to address problems. I did recognize (self diagnose) my autism a few years earlier, but it was very different to hear a professional validate it. It really removed the doubt for me. For me it was a positive process.

You might be interested in this: Musings of an Aspie

The process was a bit more complex. I first had to find a doc that could diagnose an adult. That is harder than it sounds. And in your case, find one that has experience diagnosing women, which is more complex. I also did some sleuthing for indications of ASD in my childhood--talked to my mom and dug up old school reports.

There could be another benefit to getting a diagnosis. It might be good for your child to understand they are not alone. You can take this journey together, so to speak.

I also took color science during my imaging undergraduate degree. I guess a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder makes sense. We are colorful people with a huge gamut.

Since you're profile mentions that you are in Colorado, you might want to contact the Autism Society of Colorado for help in finding psychotherapists qualified to do autism evaluations for both your son and yourself.

Very few psychotherapy professionals are qualified to do this. Worse, many psychotherapy professionals don't even recognize when it's appropriate to refer someone for an autism evaluation, except in the most extreme cases. Some psychotherapy professionals don't even "believe in" the concept of ASD.

Thank you! I will look in to that! The more I learn the more symptoms I notice. Having an official diagnosis would help me a lot.