Can I get diagnosed with Autism as an adult without having my parents involved in the process?

[Mark Smith]

I am 17 years old, and I have suspected myself of having high-functioning autism since April. I recently spoke my a psychiatrist over the telephone and they said that I can get a diagnosis without my parents permission when I turn 18, but they still might need to interview a parent to ask them about things I may not remember. This may be a problem as my relationship with my parents is extremely poor due to certain things that have happened in the past and I don’t trust them enough to even tell them that I suspect myself of having autism. Additionally, I have already did an autism quotient test online(which I scored a 41 on) and compiled a list of certain autistic traits I had as a child and even up until now. So is it still necessary to have a parent involved in the process?

 

[the_tortoise]

It ultimately depends on who you see for an evaluation -- probably some clinicians insist on it while others do not or decide on a case-by-case basis.

It may also depend on whether or not you can provide any other third-party info from your childhood (school reports, a sibling or other relative who might be able to offer similar information to what your parents could provide, home video, etc.); What you can personally remember from your childhood and how well you can communicate it to the doctor; And your present-day symptoms/presentation (I think that the fewer symptoms/difficulties you have in the present-day -- or the more ambiguous those symptoms/difficulties are -- the more important third-pary information about your early childhood may become to whoever is evaluating you).

 

[WittyAspie]

My diagnosis came via the explanation of my behaviors by my wife. Someone else explaining my behavior was helpful, though not necessary. And it definitely didn't involve my parents.

 

[Progster]

I believe that some clinicians will diagnose on the basis of tests, observation and personal accounts - after all, there are people around who were diagnosed in their 60s whose parents have passed away who receive a diagnosis. I think that old school reports are helpful, or they may interview siblings, spouses or long term friends, teachers. You might need to research it a bit to find a clinician who will diagnose without an interview from a parent.

 

[Mr Allen]

I am 17 years old, and I have suspected myself of having high-functioning autism since April. I recently spoke my a psychiatrist over the telephone and they said that I can get a diagnosis without my parents permission when I turn 18, but they still might need to interview a parent to ask them about things I may not remember. This may be a problem as my relationship with my parents is extremely poor due to certain things that have happened in the past and I don’t trust them enough to even tell them that I suspect myself of having autism. Additionally, I have already did an autism quotient test online(which I scored a 41 on) and compiled a list of certain autistic traits I had as a child and even up until now. So is it still necessary to have a parent involved in the process?

With respect you are 17, therefore legally you are still a minor, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Therefore, you would still need your Parents' support to undertake a formal diagnosis.

 

[stringer]

With respect you are 17, therefore legally you are still a minor, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Therefore, you would still need your Parents' support to undertake a formal diagnosis.

I read the OP's posting as asking, given that he waited until he was 18 as told to him by the psychiatrist, whether he would still need the involvement of his parents even after having reached the age of majority. I didn't think he was asking about getting a diagnosis before reaching 18.