To the undiagnosed aspies: Is diagnosis important to you?

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You describe exactly what I was going through, except that worrying part. I do not worry whether I would really be diagnosed, because I think that this is the case where diagnosis itself is irrelevant; the fact that the diagnosis would be denied would not change the fact that I honestly experience some difficulties in the social (and not only that) area. For me, diagnosis is merely a piece a paper that you can show to the other people and say, 'hey, I'm handicapped'

Also, I do not necessarily connect with people on the basis that I share the same label as them.....

On the other hand, sometimes I wish I had the diagnosis, some people seem to think that if you are doing something improperly and do not have a paper on it, you are automatically doing it on purpose and they discriminate you accordingly.

To conclude, I do not find diagnosis as an important thing, but sometimes it could be helpful.

If you are not diagnosed and you think it's expensive maybe you should look into how I went about getting my diagnoses.

I keep hearing the reasoning for not getting a diagnosis is because it costs a lot of money. I've received both of my diagnoses, NV-LD and ASD, for under $450 dollars. The bulk of the money will be towards someone who specializes in autism. You can lower your risk by getting a general psych eval at a psychology training facility.

I live in Seattle so perhaps professionals and awareness is easier to come by, Bill Gates and all.

I took a general psych. assessment for ADHD at a psychology center where students enrolled give out cheap assessments under a supervising Doctor. They charged me based on my income, therein I paid less than $200 dollars - maybe 150 - making it easier for the specialist who diagnosed me with Asperger's to properly diagnose me based on previously tested information on the basis of non-verbal learning disability. NV-LD helped my Autism specialist rule out a lot of things, as it is often associated with people on the spectrum.

I don't know where ya'll live but my diagnostic testing wasn't in the $1,000-2000 range. I just did my research (free), which was the most time consuming part (sweat equity), found a cheap general assessment i.e., Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale and cross-exam battery tests, and then found a specialist who used the diagnostics from my previous psychologist, an informal interview with my caretaker, an informal interview with myself, several tests, and I got it.

What the diagnosis is allowing me to do? Go back to school with accommodations, help me get SSDI so I can pay down my student loans and support myself, and would also help me find suitable work for myself using currently available state programs for rehabilitation.

OH yeah and when my case gets settled for social security I can finally start living my life with a bit more peace of mind and security - less stress, better health. There are attainable, beneficial benefits (lol I said that) if you're willing to advocate for yourself and take the risk. If you get denied there are SSDI lawyers out there. Not sure how desperate people undiagnosed are but I had to stop the downward spiral in my life.

I am sure there will be disagreement on this last note but if you're undiagnosed, what are you waiting for? I've ran into my fair share of people who self-diagnose and it always sounds like a pity party. I dislike people who make a DSM diagnosis as a means of social parity, please don't tout the sticker if you don't have it, lest it becomes another ADHD 'phenomena'. Get the sticker if you want it, but you gotta work for it if you were undiagnosed as a child. I think the reward outweighs the risk, if you are genuinely affected; especially if it is pervasive to the extent that it stops you from getting on with your life. If you are having a hard time getting on with your life and you are genuinely trying to be affected by pathologizing your actual laziness and inadequacy, please leave. I don't care if WIRED said you have Asperger's or that you disagree with professionals not giving you the diagnosis you want. Maybe you're not convincing. Out of all the research and literature on the subject if you fail your diagnosis you merely fail in understanding the etiology in order to give proper examples to your psychologist. What I mean is, really start thinking your life over, using the lens of Autism as an argument for difficulties and problems you had as a child, adolescent, and adult. Read and meditate so you can start remembering and making a clear narrative for the person evaluating you.

I am in no way saying that I agree with how expensive diagnostics can be or shaming people who don't have the financial resources. All I can say is that you always have a choice, however small, which can help you move in the direction you need to go. I know the system is broke, but that isn't an excuse not to make due.

delete me

As some of you know, I actually inquired about getting dx'd yesterday. Was told to ask an Endocrinologist. This sounds like the most expensive route to me, is it?

Sincerely,
Matthew

As others have mentioned, I am torn between an official diagnosis and sticking with my self-diagnosis.

I am worried about what people will think of me and the possibility of getting discriminated against if I get an official diagnosis. The average person probably won't know how to deal with me, so they'll develop mistaken impressions about me. Which I can only do so much, to correct. Being self-diagnosed, means I don't have to tell anyone who I feel doesn't have to know. And since they don't know, they'll probably just think I'm a little eccentric, rather than autistic.

I don't trust the majority of psychologists and other mental health "professionals". It would be very easy to be misdiagnosed, on the whim of some stranger who doesn't know me from a bar of soap. I have seen more than ten counsellors in my life and there has only been one who I feel that has helped me any and who I felt that I could trust. Unfortunately I can't see her in that capacity anymore, otherwise I would still be going to her.

I am with melmaclorelai @ noname... getting dxd just means you have a "problem." You are in a minority. But, there is nothing that "they" can do for you. If you live somewhere where ASD is a "disorder" then you may get money from the government, or the state... but you have to somehow declare that you have trouble getting by... you need a hand, understanding.

This is what some doctors believe:

Diagnosis
There are no tests for Asperger syndrome. The diagnosis is based on observations of the child's behavior. Neuropsychological and IQ tests may be given. Medical tests may be ordered to help rule out other conditions. Children and their families can benefit from early intervention. Knowing what is wrong also helps families understand why the child acts differently than other children.

Treatment
There is no treatment to cure Asperger syndrome. Treatments aim to control symptoms and improve social skills. Patients often learn to function independently as adults. However, they usually continue to experience problems with social interaction. They also may develop mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Children with Asperger syndrome need love and understanding, as well as a structured schedule.

Therapies include:

Medication
Drugs to help control symptoms may include:

Stimulants
Mood-altering drugs
Drugs to control seizures
Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—such as citalopram (eg, Celexa), sertraline (eg, Zoloft), fluoxetine (eg, Prozac), paroxetine (eg, Paxil CR)
Neuroleptics—such as risperidone (eg, Risperdal)
Counseling
Behavior modification therapy and training can help children develop social skills. Learning how to make and keep friends is difficult for these children. As they grow up, many find the lack of friends troubling.
http://www.doctorsofusc.com/condition/document/12037
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My rant is that once "doctors" get their hands on you, if you can pay in any way, then they won't let you go. You will come to them with "problems" on a schedule, and they will offer you solutions.

Nope. I don't care about a diagnosis at all. It used to bother me, but not anymore.

I am functioning and have somewhat of a social life (at least I socialize at work...) but I would feel an enormous amount of relief if I was diagnosed because I have been mostly friendless for my entire life and I could never understand what was wrong with me. Elementary school and middle school were hell, thank god I was spared from going through highschool where social groups were so enormous and I felt like the only person who was by themselves.

An official diagnosis would finally answer and explain the questions I've had about myself all of my life - but it would be for my own personal knowledge as I don't need disability as long as I can keep the job I've had for the past 26 years - art / graphic design is one of my main special interests.

On the other hand, I do not want my diagnosis to be publicly known at work. And I also don't really have the money for an official Dx right now.

I am going to see a psychologist for depression and anxiety through my EAP very soon. If I can see the doctor of my choice, she also happens to specialize in Asperger's.