I need advice -- VA or military experience

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I think I have AS, and want to get a diagnosis. I'm ex-army, and I'll be asking around at the VA about getting tested. I'm 39, and I've read up on the DSM-IV. Is there another test geared towards people in my age group? I'm not totally confident that they're the best people to judge or administer a test, or even if they do provide this service. Google searches haven't turned up anything at all about VA and AS testing. Can somebody give me helpful advice on this?

Thanks.

You can use the screening tests in the sticky thread at the top of this forum (http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt113459.html), especially Baron-Cohens AQ, EQ, FQ, SQ, or the BAPQ at the top of the list. These are all tests with academic publications that would be recognized by a psychiatrist or psychologist, so you can tell them how you score as a part of explaining why you think you may be autistic.

An assessment or diagnosis will look at social interaction and ask questions about childhood, to check that the condition is life-long and not a change.

Thanks, StuartN. I've taken a few of these tests, but wasn't sure how objective I was. I certainly scored in the ASD range for each of the questionnaires I took part in. I'll be sure to bring that information when I get an appointment.

hey drummer.....my experience is that you will be treated the same way at the va hospital as you were on active duty. the one in lexington ky is hard to get into. for non-critical, the wait was 11 months. i couldn't wait that long.

good luck to you....which most likely will be based on if you were an officer or em.

My dad goes to the VA.

My best guess is that you ask to be tested for AS. They will try to find you someone competent in Dx of AS for adults, but don't be surprised to have to wait months to get referred to someone. People qualified to Dx AS in adults is rare in general. I don't know who's on the VA's payroll.

Certainly, you will need to be patient and keep asking for a referral. When you get one, research the doctor to see what his/her qualifications are.

Thanks zer0netgain. That's excellent advice, and I intend to follow up on it.