Getting diagnosis to get help in work world.

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I'm a female and would like to get an official diagnosis to get SSI and/or help getting by in the workplace. The issue is I cover really, really well. I'm a little older so I had time to learn to emulate. Of course, on the inside it's different. Of course, after a while people think I'm arrogant, weird, etc. and the jobs never work out. I'd love a mentor, or disability or other kind of help. I heard it's quite difficult to get a diagnosis if you're female, make good eye contact, etc.. Also, I have no money so I would have to get a free diagnosis. I already receive food stamps so perhaps I could have an appointment for free but the woman I see for food stamps already thinks I shouldn't even be getting those. (I can tell she thinks I should be working based upon her attitude.) Thanks for any advice.

Are you asking for help finding someone to evaluate you? If so, in which state or region do you live?

I'm in California. I'm also wondering if it's even worth trying for people who don't seem autistic when meeting them.

If you need help, then it is worth the attempt. Even if the doctor who evaluates you does not or cannot diagnose with AS, you may get another diagnosis that can help you get SSI or Vocational Rehabilitation.

I am also in California, and I have compiled a small list of specialists. They may not be in your area, but I'll just list some of them anyway. I can't vouch for any of them; this is just a list of doctors who evaluate adults.

http://blog.sfgate.com/lshumaker/2012/0 ... d-support/

Sacramento
http://www.checksutterfirst.org/neuro/autism/stand.html

San Francisco
http://www.kennethrobersonphd.com/child ... chologist/

Lafayette (East Bay Area)
http://www.ameskleinphd.com/AboutMe.aspx

Thanks for the replies. I decided not to try to get a diagnosis because it's quite difficult to filter the competent from the incompetent professionals. Perhaps the info provided in this thread will be useful to someone else looking for a professional though.

Def focus on getting a diagnosis and strategies to help you avoid those pitfalls you mentioned.

Yes, it seems getting the diagnosis may have benefits. (Don't have a lot of confidence in what may be offered for free though.)

This may also help you find someone qualified to evaluate you:

https://autismsocietyca.org/

I am a female in my 30s. I would definitely encourage you to get a diagnosis because this will entitle you to all career training and counsellor available for free for all ASD. I also faced some obstacles in getting a diagnosis but eventually I did get it. My case has been rejected from one of the only 2 support organisation in Hong Kong. Luckily, the other one accepted me and the govt gave me the diagnosis for free. I am either a PDD-NOS/Asperger. I also don't have any obvious symptoms when people first meet me. My advice would be study as much female cases as possible in youtube, such that you can articulate your traits more effectively. e.g. stimming, anxiety, etc. I think it's worth it to go through the trouble. Some female ASD in youtube that share their stories:

“Understanding Asperger's Syndrome - Personal experiences” by Karen Schoenhals
· Maja Toudal is a student with Asperger's in Copenhagen, Denmark.
TheAnMish (‪Maja Toudal) has produced 39 videos of her past experience and thoughts which are very therapeutic to watch and get to know her.
· Jacinta Feyling
o “It Gets Better – Lady with Asperger syndrome shares her story”