Is it usefull to get a off. diagnose?

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Joined: 17 Jul 2008
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13 Aug 2008, 8:37 am

Hi there,
A short introduction, probably more later.
My name is Ceesjan, almost 38 and I am Dutch. I do not have a official dx but in my mind there is no doubt that I'm autistic as well. High functioning that is. I have read Attwood's Aspergers guide and cried a river full out of recognition. Could someone shed a light on if it is usefull to get a off. diagnose? I am bit sceptical about it and mostly I don't see the benefit. Another Q. is, do all Aspergers do everything themselves and are we all reluctant to ask for help?
Best of luck to you all.

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Tim_Tex
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13 Aug 2008, 8:38 am

Welcome to WP!

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JerryHatake
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13 Aug 2008, 8:39 am

Nice to meet you, Ceesjan.

Nice avatar as well.

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slowmutant
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13 Aug 2008, 10:03 am

An official DX would certainly facilitate treatment and therefore maximize your quality of life. Some avoid getting dx'ed and choose to live without the stigma of ASD, but with the untreated symptoms. That's not a fair trade, if you ask me. Getting help is never a bad idea.

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13 Aug 2008, 11:45 am

slowmutant wrote:

It's only a stigma if you tell everyone your AS I'm Dxed but only my family and 1 friend know about it.
Personally I'm glad I got an off Dx for me no one else.

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willem
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13 Aug 2008, 12:01 pm

It's useful to get a diagnosis if at least one of these three situations applies to you:
1. You're not sure you are autistic.
2. There's no doubt in your mind that you are autistic, but people around you don't believe you and it matters to you what they think.
3. You desire special services based on your autism (e.g. accommodations at work or school, welfare or money for school tuition & supplies).

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Prof_Pretorius
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13 Aug 2008, 12:34 pm

willem wrote:

Well put ! !

It further depends on the expense. Some countries will fund such a DX, while others won't. Some will fund it depending on your age. Mostly, it isn't cheap to see such a specialist.

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willem
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13 Aug 2008, 1:19 pm

Prof_Pretorius wrote:

It further depends on the expense. Some countries will fund such a DX, while others won't. Some will fund it depending on your age. Mostly, it isn't cheap to see such a specialist.

If you are in the United States, you are an adult and unemployed because of your AS, then your local DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) may be willing to pay for a diagnosis as well as for a limited number of therapy sessions. They did this for me, and also paid for my school tuition and supplies and for a bus pass.

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13 Aug 2008, 2:46 pm

Thanks for the welcoming (?) and your reactions.
I'm really sure I am autistic but not sure about the name it should have or carry. Asperger, PDD-NOS or even another one. I am a high-functioning autist is what I say to some people, 'cos that is true. H-F autism for me is a frame where I can learn things about my family (fathers-side) and things about myself. After 36 years of, let's say, wondering I finally found what makes me peculiar and unusual and it is a bit of a relief to finally know that I am not really alone (for a long time it felt that way) with my traits, social shortcomings, sensory sensitivity, etc..
The second point Willem made, mmmm, do I really mind what others think and if they belief me or not? It all depends on my (self-)confidence, I think, and I must admit that it isn't always that stable(?). Most of the time I do not really care but on the other hand I wish not to be indifferent all the time.
More later.
Bye,
Ceesjan