What to expect when going for my "diagnosis"?
I'm 22 years old, and I finally convinced my parents that it's quite likely (well, I'm actually 99.9% sure) that I do in fact have Aspergers.
My appointment is in two weeks with someone who supposedly is quite knowledgeable and experienced with Aspergers. Still, for some reason I'm expecting the same uphill battle that has been involved in convincing the very small handful of people I've told about my suspicions of me being an aspie. And reading all the posts online about adults going for a diagnosis having a large amount of issues is also not very reassuring.
Anyways, I'm mostly interested in your personal experiences with this. (And this is my first post, I hope I didn't violate some unspoken rule or something, haha)
I rehearsed (out loud in private) what I wanted to say and tried to anticipate any possible responses that I might get. I did this because I tend not to think very fast especially when I am nervous. I made sure that everything I said was true and not exaggerated (I did this for the 3 months leading up to my appointment).
When I had my assessment I downloaded a copy of the DSM-IV criteria for Asperger's and wrote down how each symptom applied (or didn't apply) to me. I also had a second sheet with other odd behaviours that I do that I've read that other Aspies do (like thinking out loud). I brought this with me so that a) I would forget anything I wanted to say and b) If I get asked a question (or get a reaction) I wasn't expecting I tend to freeze up. This way I could at the very least read off my sheet.
The doctor noticed me occasionally looking at my notes and asked if he could see them and possibly make a copy. I gave him the copy I had with me because I had it on my computer anyways. On my next appointment he told me how helpful my notes were to him. By the end of the second session he told me that without a doubt in the world I had Asperger's and that I likely also had ADHD. (Turned out I did and I am now on Concerta and it is helping a lot!).
By the way I was 99.9% confident as well.
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Self Diagnosed Asperger's since 2010
Officially Diagnosed Asperger's and ADHD-PI March 2012
Your Aspie score: 152 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 42 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie
AQ = 41 EQ = 9
http://turtleisaverb.blogspot.com/2011/ ... ocess.html
(That's my most about my diagnosis on my blog
)

