First appointment for diagnosis, help?

[Aspiegirl75]

Hey guys,
So today, I went in to see a neuropsychologist, who came highly recommended, today.
I went in armed with a six page bullet point essay about reasons I suspect I have Asperger's/Autism, a picture of me as a child with all my dolls lined up according to size on my bed and me lying down next to them, and my autism quotient test result.
I told him that 2 of my 3 children have been diagnosed on the spectrum in the last year (according to dsm 4, one wold have Asperger''s and the other pdd-nos).

Background on him, he is in his early sixties, has worked with children on the spectrum for more than 20 tears, has a grandson who is a 'classic' case of Asperger's and he is a very intelligent and decent human being.
I felt that he kind of scoffed at the AQ test, but I kind of expected that, since most therapists don't acknowledge online tests.
He read my essay, looked at my picture and then said that
1- He has gathered that I am a very genuine person which unfortunately is difficult in this world.
2- I do exhibit a lot of traits and characters of the disorder.
3- But because I am kind and loving I cannot have the whole disorder?!
I don't understand!
Also, when I asked to be tested, he then suggested the mmpi2 test!
I didn't know at the time what it was, but I had not heard about it at all in the last 7 months that I had been 'studying' and preparing. When I came home I looked it up and I don't think it is used for autism diagnosis at all! Mainly, schizophrenia and other personality disorders!!
Can anybody help me, by giving their 2-cents and or providing advice as to how I can talk to him more openly about it and which tests I can counterask for?
Thanks!

 

[OkRad]

((((ASPIE)))))) I would give you a real hug if I could . I can't hug. This happened to me.

I HAD the dx of Austim twoce. I went back for help needing services for medical tests. I had dx of Autism NOS and PDD NOS and I have sensory Processing Disorer and early headbanging and all that. The only thing I DID NOT HAVEF was the hand flapping and I can say hi.

When I went to the specialist he kicked back in his chair with a smirk and said "So, what do you think about all this autism stuff? I am sure you're on the internet"

I mumbled around and faked my way and he said, "I've heard enouigh" and left!

Then he came abck in after his team talked to me a bit and said ""We knew as soon as you greeted us in the waiting area you are not autisic. YOu smiled and greeted us"

I am good with about two or three interactions and he was all like THAT was my default after eyars of learning to fake.

Then he said I just have a personality disoreder and when I asked about the neuro overlap, the sensory etc he just walked off.

My geneticist said it is NOT PSYCHOLOGCAL but genetic (I have a duplcaition) but this M**** F******* tells me a PD???

I was so depressed for about three week. I am OK now when I read he is trying tio kill off autism befoire it starts. He hates all of us. He probably has an autisic kid he has hated his whole life. He is an evil man who would have gladly called hitler his boss back in the day IMHO!!!!

 

[Aspiegirl75]

((((ASPIE)))))) I would give you a real hug if I could . I can't hug. This happened to me.

I HAD the dx of Austim twoce. I went back for help needing services for medical tests. I had dx of Autism NOS and PDD NOS and I have sensory Processing Disorer and early headbanging and all that. The only thing I DID NOT HAVEF was the hand flapping and I can say hi.

When I went to the specialist he kicked back in his chair with a smirk and said "So, what do you think about all this autism stuff? I am sure you're on the internet"

I mumbled around and faked my way and he said, "I've heard enouigh" and left!

Then he came abck in after his team talked to me a bit and said ""We knew as soon as you greeted us in the waiting area you are not autisic. YOu smiled and greeted us"

I am good with about two or three interactions and he was all like THAT was my default after eyars of learning to fake.

Then he said I just have a personality disoreder and when I asked about the neuro overlap, the sensory etc he just walked off.

My geneticist said it is NOT PSYCHOLOGCAL but genetic (I have a duplcaition) but this M**** F******* tells me a PD???

I was so depressed for about three week. I am OK now when I read he is trying tio kill off autism befoire it starts. He hates all of us. He probably has an autisic kid he has hated his whole life. He is an evil man who would have gladly called hitler his boss back in the day IMHO!!!!

Oh sweetheart! I appreciate the thought of the hug and give a virtual one back!
I'm so sorry this happened to you! I don't understand why it is so hard to be heard!!!
Why can't they just listen? I mean, I understand they are the ones with the degree, but we are the ones actually living with whatever it is we're suffering from!
We should at least be heard!!
And what's up with all the 'ignorance ' in the field? How can they be the experts and don't even know how wide the spectrum is?
I just don't get it.
I'm glad you are better now! Don't you give up! I don't know if you're religious, but my faith keeps sane. I believe in God's greater plan and hopefully you and me and everyone trying to get some closure or answers can have one soon!

 

[Ambi]

Hey guys,
So today, I went in to see a neuropsychologist, who came highly recommended, today.
I went in armed with a six page bullet point essay about reasons I suspect I have Asperger's/Autism, a picture of me as a child with all my dolls lined up according to size on my bed and me lying down next to them, and my autism quotient test result.
I told him that 2 of my 3 children have been diagnosed on the spectrum in the last year (according to dsm 4, one wold have Asperger''s and the other pdd-nos).

Background on him, he is in his early sixties, has worked with children on the spectrum for more than 20 tears, has a grandson who is a 'classic' case of Asperger's and he is a very intelligent and decent human being.
I felt that he kind of scoffed at the AQ test, but I kind of expected that, since most therapists don't acknowledge online tests.
He read my essay, looked at my picture and then said that
1- He has gathered that I am a very genuine person which unfortunately is difficult in this world.
2- I do exhibit a lot of traits and characters of the disorder.
3- But because I am kind and loving I cannot have the whole disorder?!
I don't understand!
Also, when I asked to be tested, he then suggested the mmpi2 test!
I didn't know at the time what it was, but I had not heard about it at all in the last 7 months that I had been 'studying' and preparing. When I came home I looked it up and I don't think it is used for autism diagnosis at all! Mainly, schizophrenia and other personality disorders!!
Can anybody help me, by giving their 2-cents and or providing advice as to how I can talk to him more openly about it and which tests I can counterask for?
Thanks!

ARGH. You didn't fit his textbook expectation of an Aspie, because his textbook was limited and wrong. Therefore he wants to test you for other diagnoses - I have heard of aspies being misdiagnosed with these other disorders. I'm very sorry this happened to you. I don't think I can even handle this type of situation happening to me once I muster the energy to seek a diagnosis, it's one of the reasons I have not. I am self-diagnosed. And what I have read from autism "experts" has mostly been useless for me, whereas I have been immensely helped by those who are on the spectrum. It shouldn't be this way, but it seems to be this way for now.....I think it may take researchers and psychologists who are on the spectrum themselves to make necessary changes. Anyway, I am sorry you had to go through this horrible experience. For what it's worth, I believe you.

 

[xudo]

Being female and an aspie makes diagnosis more difficult, because females don't generally present in the same way as male aspies...and that presentation is what people in the medical field are expecting.

I'm afraid I don't know what to suggest, but hopefully someone else here will.

 

[On the Inside]

The mmpi test was part of the assessment that I had, but there were many other things involved, also.

 

[Aspiegirl75]

ARGH. You didn't fit his textbook expectation of an Aspie, because his textbook was limited and wrong. Therefore he wants to test you for other diagnoses - I have heard of aspies being misdiagnosed with these other disorders. I'm very sorry this happened to you. I don't think I can even handle this type of situation happening to me once I muster the energy to seek a diagnosis, it's one of the reasons I have not. I am self-diagnosed. And what I have read from autism "experts" has mostly been useless for me, whereas I have been immensely helped by those who are on the spectrum. It shouldn't be this way, but it seems to be this way for now.....I think it may take researchers and psychologists who are on the spectrum themselves to make necessary changes. Anyway, I am sorry you had to go through this horrible experience. For what it's worth, I believe you.

I really do appreciate you believing me! I am very convinced that I am somewhere on the spectrum, but something inside me like a BIG pit in my stomach, is driving me to seek a diagnosis!! I wish I could be satisfied with a self diagnosis, but it's like an obsession I can't get rid of!! I think I have to make peace that this might not be achievable!
I really hope if you ever seek one that you are much much luckier than I am!

The mmpi test was part of the assessment that I had, but there were many other things involved, also.

Would you be so kind, as to expand on your diagnosis experience and what specifically did the mmpi2 show or help with?
Thanks in advance.

 

[On the Inside]

Would you be so kind, as to expand on your diagnosis experience and what specifically did the mmpi2 show or help with?
Thanks in advance.

I was assessed at a regional Autism support organization. It was a 6-7 hour process over two days and included interviews of me and a family member, paper and computer tests, observation while I worked through numerous puzzles and tasks, a few exersizes where I had to describe various things, one in particular was a picture book (no text) that was a very bizarre story about frogs, an exersize where I had to arrange some objects and explain my reasoning for how I arranged them.

Then there were tests for attention ( I was originally diagnosed with ADD) and the MMPI, which they said helped them rule out personality disorders and the like, or find that they are comorbid.

I was a wreck leading up to it, and I waited 8 months to get in, the process was thorough and they did a very good job in explaining the diagnosis procedure and results.

I was given a 10 page assessment report that showed how each test, task and interview figured in the overall results. I feel it was very accurate and matched my own view closely.

It is hard to hear about other people's problems in therapy and diagnosis. My first attempts at therapy with three different psychologists yielded inaccurate diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and off the cuff diagnosis of ASD, then dismissal of it being that big of a problem.

 

[Sami]

Honestly

Hey guys,
So today, I went in to see a neuropsychologist, who came highly recommended, today.
I went in armed with a six page bullet point essay about reasons I suspect I have Asperger's/Autism, a picture of me as a child with all my dolls lined up according to size on my bed and me lying down next to them, and my autism quotient test result.
I told him that 2 of my 3 children have been diagnosed on the spectrum in the last year (according to dsm 4, one wold have Asperger''s and the other pdd-nos).

Background on him, he is in his early sixties, has worked with children on the spectrum for more than 20 tears, has a grandson who is a 'classic' case of Asperger's and he is a very intelligent and decent human being.
I felt that he kind of scoffed at the AQ test, but I kind of expected that, since most therapists don't acknowledge online tests.
He read my essay, looked at my picture and then said that
1- He has gathered that I am a very genuine person which unfortunately is difficult in this world.
2- I do exhibit a lot of traits and characters of the disorder.
3- But because I am kind and loving I cannot have the whole disorder?!
I don't understand!
Also, when I asked to be tested, he then suggested the mmpi2 test!
I didn't know at the time what it was, but I had not heard about it at all in the last 7 months that I had been 'studying' and preparing. When I came home I looked it up and I don't think it is used for autism diagnosis at all! Mainly, schizophrenia and other personality disorders!!
Can anybody help me, by giving their 2-cents and or providing advice as to how I can talk to him more openly about it and which tests I can counterask for?
Thanks!

 

[Sami]

Hey,
What is it you want from this appointment.
I have worked with people with autism for a few years and I even think my husband is autistic. The number one thing I notice is lack of empathy. That is huge! My husband is the most heartless person in the world, including he high functioning autistic boy I take care of currently.
It really could be you just have something else?

 

[Aspiegirl75]

Hey,
What is it you want from this appointment.
I have worked with people with autism for a few years and I even think my husband is autistic. The number one thing I notice is lack of empathy. That is huge! My husband is the most heartless person in the world, including he high functioning autistic boy I take care of currently.
It really could be you just have something else?

I'm sure and actually hope some people who have been officially diagnosed would comment on your post.
I'm actually very outraged at that blank statement, that you just made!!
As I mentioned 2 of my children ARE on the spectrum and while one of them is not too externally emotional, they are both sweet, kind and very 'heartfull'!
My oldest, who is in college is an activist who spends nights trying to come up with ways to make this world better and improve the state of human beings all around the world. My youngest, who is 3, cries if he feels someone else is hurt or sad, gives unconditional hugs and kisses and is the sweetest little boy, by everybody's testimony!
So, let's not generalize and remember that it is indeed a spectrum with countless combinations of traits and characteristics!
And lastly I'd like to refer you to the most common saying in the autism community, "If you've met one person with autism, then you've met ONE person with autism!", and this still applies to 'a few'!

 

[Sami]

I didn't mean to offend you, and I haven't met just one, I have worked with over 30 individuals the last few years.
I definitely worded it wrong, at least with the individuals I've been around I did not mean they are heartless. They just have a huge problem with empathy, (as in putting themselves in others shoes) while having huge hearts and loving others. there's a big difference so I should have been clearer.
Anyways did not mean to offend you.

 

[Aspiegirl75]

I didn't mean to offend you, and I haven't met just one, I have worked with over 30 individuals the last few years.
I definitely worded it wrong, at least with the individuals I've been around I did not mean they are heartless. They just have a huge problem with empathy, (as in putting themselves in others shoes) while having huge hearts and loving others. there's a big difference so I should have been clearer.
Anyways did not mean to offend you.

Thank you for clarifying, I appreciate it. That's why I hate texts and the internet, most of the time I don't quite catch the right intentions of the person! I apologize for my rant.
My oldest certainly has trouble putting himself in someone else's shoes, sometimes, especially if he would not react the same way if he were in the same situation.
For example, if his brother's plans for the weekend fall apart and he had been excited for them, he might be upset.
My oldest then cannot comprehend why he's upset and may tease him for it, because if it were him, he would care less!
I am like that, if I cannot relate to the situation. But with age and life experiences I have tried to not judge others, it's still hard sometimes and I feel like a lot of people make moles out of ant hills. But I keep my mouth shut and feign sympathy, because it's their right and we're all different.
I think my therapist's issue was that I'm loving towards my family?! If that makes sense! Because I made it clear that I have no friends and my family IS my whole world.

 

[Sami]

Any time! Sorry the way I say things can sound awful, I need to think before I speak. (Or type) I assume people know what I mean and that's almost never the case, haha.
I hope whatever is happening gets sorted out!
I definitely have no idea what your situation is like, but I hope you find the answer. Crossing my fingers for you.

 

[toothless]

I didn't mean to offend you, and I haven't met just one, I have worked with over 30 individuals the last few years.
I definitely worded it wrong, at least with the individuals I've been around I did not mean they are heartless. They just have a huge problem with empathy, (as in putting themselves in others shoes) while having huge hearts and loving others. there's a big difference so I should have been clearer.
Anyways did not mean to offend you.

your generalisation describes me,i have no empathy [including both forms of it] but i gradually learned sympathy over the years though it feels awkward and seperate from me,however i am under the LFA label albeit close to borderline with moderate classic autism and i would defend to the death;animals and disabled/vulnerable people.
but it has been recognised for a while now that empathy only plays a small part in issues for aspies,its not the big issue it was once thought and you will find a overwhelming number of aspies have empathy,and a large number feel they have to much empathy and are very sensitive to the world.