Is a formal diagnosis bad for health insurance, jobs, etc.?

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Does anyone know if there are downsides to a formal diagnosis in the United States? like related to getting health insurance, or jobs, or whatever else?

I don't know for sure, but when I was being evaluating, the clinic sent off a thing to the insurance company asking for funds to do a differential diagnosis of NLD vs. AS. My parents were upset when they heard this, because they didn't want the insurance company people to think I might have AS. They are both psychologists, so I don't know if they would know more about this in particular, but I know that it bothered them, although they weren't able to give me any concrete reasons why.

I've heard that insurance often won't cover treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, including AS, but of course that varies by policy. I'd check over the paperwork you've got from your insurance company, and give them a call (or better, have someone else ask if you're concerned about their reaction - careful, though, it's possible that lack of disclosure could affect your coverage, also).

I think insurance only covers low spectrum autistic treatment and not Aspergers. I've got my insurance to cover my consultations that lead to diagnosis, but that's because I saw a neurologist and not a psych. I wouldn't let insurance know AS status and especially not your car insurance co if you have a good driving record. Don't announce it at work - EVER. And my personal opinion is also not to let Medic Alert know because if autistism is on the list of medical conditions they might deprive a person from being allowed to make their own medical decisions.

I was diagnosed through a "private" consultation with a university pyschologist. Now they have to have a paper with my name on it saying I gave permission to be seen there, but thats it when it comes to identifying who i am through paperwork

I probably didn't explain this very well. I'm assuming my insurance won't cover anything related to AS-I pretty much assume it won't cover much of anything. But I'm worried that even getting a diagnosis could hurt my ability to get/keep insurance in the future, or be discriminated against in other ways (like for jobs or whatever).

It would be nice if insurance would cover testing...

I'm mixed on this. I see the issue with the insurance companies, but how about the upside. What if we get ourselves in sticky situations or break the law as a result of our Apergers? If we are already diagnosed it would be a justified excuse for a lot of behavior. Also, it is not really recognized as a disability yet, but in the future as it does become more recognized there might be an opportunity to draw social security or disability. To be frank, I am concerned for my well being in the future.

medicare is sending me some disenrollment forms, i never used it to recive treatment so i dont know, but when i was on my states health insurance i could get treatment for it. as far as jobs are concerned i was also enrolled in vocational rehabilitation for almost a year that i didnt have to pay for. my guess is if your really need the help do that one, and see if you like it. naturally being the autistic f-up that i am, it didnt work but whatever