Seeking diagnosis behind family's back?

Post Reply New Topic

I have no idea how to seek a diagnosis, let alone secretly. I am seeing a psychologist for depression and GID, but I'm terrified of bringing it up with her. Is she even qualified? Do I need to see a neuropsychologist? I bet my local one is colossally expensive.

Is it naive to think I can do it all alone? I've been exceedingly obsessed with this subject. I need to know if I'm on the spectrum or not. I'm not into self-diagnosis, but I took every Aspie/ASD quiz available, always scoring in the "very likely" range.

I'm about to attend college and I am not prepared for the crowds, noise, new people, etc. I don't know if I can handle it. I'm so stressed and I have no outlet or friends for help.

Your psychologist should be able to assess you for a diagnosis of autism. Ask if she could recommend an autism diagnostician for you. If she is willing to do it herself, she will say so. If she is willing to do it herself, ask her about what test(s) she uses. The ADOS-2 module 3 or module 4 tests are aimed at your age range. The ADOS-2 series of tests are quite good and accurate. If you wish to keep the assessment private, tell her about your wishes. If you would like me to offer more information, I can PM you with ideas that have worked well. Either way, good luck!

I would discuss it with your psychologist and I would do so promptly. Even so, it can take months to get fully diagnosed - depending on your location, insurance, etc.

The reason to hurry is you may need to declare a need for a disability accommodation at college. It might be a single room in the dorm, special setting for test-taking, alternative to group projects, things like that. Your college is obligated to assist you if you declare the need as a disability accommodation, but they are not obliged to fix your ruined academic record after you drop out mid-semester, having never told them what you needed.

Good luck, and don't be so ashamed. You're already seeing a psychologist, that's a good place to start.

I have an appointment with my psychologist on August 1st, which I both anticipate and dread. I will make my inquiry before she delves into more generic worksheets about depression (so helpful!).

I'm trying to plan ahead. I have heard many adults take a comprehensive list of reasons they suspect they have ASD - do you think that may be necessary? I mean, it could be beneficial since I have problems verbalizing my thoughts - especially with her, since she stares at me (and she has a lava lamp, my bane! So distracting!).

I would hesitate to take my online test scores, but... they are a fairly reliable indicator of ASD traits, if hundreds of Aspies are to be believed.

Thank you for the advice, and it's nice to have some reassurance.

Yes, go ahead and take the paperwork to her, the quizzes and your list of reasons for the inquiry. It's a good way to get a message across succinctly, leaving more room for discussion.