What constitutes a formal diagnosis?

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Mine came in the form of my psychologist saying 'if I were to put on my clinicians' hat, I would say you are a high-functioning Aspie.' No piece of paper or anything, but as I understand it the guy's qualified to make the call and I've been speaking to him for around 3 years now, so he's pretty familiar with my behaviour et cetera.

I would assume that doesn't constitute a formal diagnosis as such, but I'm taking it all the same. Life makes a bit more sense now, though I can see there being some unique challenges ahead in actually holding that knowledge. Perhaps I'm just wondering if it's okay to identify as such if I found a social group IRL or attended events or anything, or if the Aspie police would single me out and shame me (more than I already feel )

It kind of depends on what you want it for. If you're looking for something that will get you access to services and support, it's probably not enough in most places. If you're looking for validation or self understanding, it may be plenty official, especially if it's just confirming what you've already arrived at through your own research and self evaluation. If you're looking for something that will get others (ie the "Aspie Police") to accept that you're on the spectrum, understand that for some people no diagnosis of any kind is ever enough.

It's definitely mainly to do with being able to move on within myself, though from reading around on here there's a bit of an adjustment period as such.
If I find that I do need access to some kind of support that isn't publically available I'll enquire further.
Good call with that last sentence, that's a really good way to think of it.

Thank you for the response, I appreciate it

Mine was a letter from my psychologist to whom-it-may-concern indicating that I had been evaluated for and met the criteria for a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.

I was assessed by a psychologist who specialises in autism and was given a copy of his report, in which he has diagnosed me with Asperger Syndrome. I don't think a formal diagnosis is really necessary unless you need it to access support etc. If a person identifies as having autism but hasn't been officially diagnosed then I personally wouldn't have a problem with them attending social groups or events etc. Some people might but that's their problem -- I feel they must be very narrow-minded or almost like an elitist, in a way.

My psychologist said, "Judging by the evidence, my observations and the way you present, I would be very surprised if you didn't have Aspergers."
I asked about formal diagnosis and he said, "It's up to you, but there is no funding available so there would be little benefit. Besides, you already know you have Aspergers."
Point taken. I'm still a little confused if I'm diagnosed or not, but for me just hearing the words and having someone agree with my self-diagnosis was a massive relief.

I also have a report of what the specialist saw, thought about, read and then decided based on all of those things. I have not used it for anything (since the uni I attend does not make special allowances "just because" I have ASD) but it is still nice to see that someone else besides me saw the things that I did. So no, I will probably never need to officially use it.. it is reassuring to have. BTW, I have mine in an email so I can never lose it
As for the OP, I think it really depends on what you want/ need. It sounds like your psychologist has given you verbal confirmation and it is enough.

I received my 'unofficial diagnosis' today.

I met with a psychiatric nurse practitioner today after having filled out a nine page psychiatric/medical questionnaire. The first thing she said was that she hardly had any questions given how thorough and detailed I was.

Then she said, "Given several of your responses here, you strike me as someone who looks up different psychological conditions, right?" I agree and she continues, "Is there anything you see yourself that it seems like everyone else hasn't picked up on or missed?"

I kinda perked up a little and mentioned how I've recently been looking into autism spectrum disorders and Asperger's Syndrome.

She replied, "Yeah, Asperger's was what I was thinking too. You definitely show some tendencies there."

Gotta say, hearing that comes as a bit of a relief. I've thought for a while now that I'm an Aspie, but to have a professional with more 'authority' on the matter validate my suspicions helps reaffirm that notion.

Very interesting to note that there's a common theme of still questioning the diagnosis even though it's been stated by a professional! I dare say I could get my psych to write me up a piece of paper if I wanted but by the sounds of things there isn't much point. Given that I'm already volunteering in mental health, and I was instantly accepted by the group, some of whom display very 'stereotypical' autistic behaviour... I thought I was going there as part of my recovery and partly to help people, but I realised halfway through the first session that I belong there... Anyhow, a bit sidetracked, but I guess I already have access to some great support there. I can also join the Aspergers' association in my area for a nominal fee and get further information, learning and social opportunities through there.

Thanks for your replies and empathy all, it's good to be here. Not so much fun to be on this peak-hour train but I'll figure out how to deal with that better in time

Being told by a specialist with 30 years experience the "I have no trouble diagnosing you" followed 2 1/2 months later by a 15 Page diagnostic report. This was last year. A whole bunch of discoveries post diagnosis mostly were reflective of Autistic traits. No serious doubt.

Yeah, it is interesting, I do it all flipping day. The thing is, the psychologist I saw actually DID write me multiple pages, though they are mostly a description of some common difficulties among Aspies and suggestions for reasonable accommodations; I got it so that in the future I will be able to get workplace and school accommodations. He told me I definitely had it, that he was 100% sure; I think that's why we didn't set future appointments for a full evaluation to begin with. And yet I'm still not entirely convinced

But that is why I am doing the official evaluation. It is mostly just because I don't think I'll be able to refute a full and thorough evaluation, and maybe I'll finally be able to do something other than question every little thing I do and try to decide if it is a normal or Aspie behavior. Plus I am curious to see what my score for the IQ test is. Since I already got those papers for accommodations I don't really need the official diagnosis for that, which was actually my original reason; I really doubt that anyone would question it even though it is technically not a diagnosis, as it is explained in detail specifically about me, and is signed by the psychologist.