I think I have AS but my therapist insists I have a myriad of other issues

[tora]

I told her about my symptoms and that I thought they pointed to AS, but she was very adamant that they did not and said that I have a combination of OCD and Social Phobia.

I only have a few OCD symptoms, and they aren't a huge problem for me. I like things to be straightened out and tidy. Sometimes I have trouble getting rid of thoughts that keep popping into my head. Sometimes I have an impulse to do something irrational, but it goes away easily. I also do certain little rituals repeatedly, but I've read this can be an aspie thing too.

As far as Social Phobia goes, I don't fear social situations or fear that I'll act in a way that will embarrass myself. I don't feel extremely anxious or fearful in social situations. Social situations honestly don't scare me. I just never quite know how to act. And when I get stressed out, it's usually because I'm trying to process too much at once (noises, lights, people talking to me) and I need a break from it all.

She basically said I couldn't possibly have AS because I'm nothing like the aspies she knows, namely, a boy who does nothing during his sessions but stand up and talk incessantly about dinosaurs. Plus, she added it doesn't matter even if I did have AS since they're taking it out of the DSM.

I really believe I have it, but she insists that I don't :S Help?

 

[_Josh_]

I can certainly identify with what you're saying, although I've never seen a therapist as I can't afford it, and my parents could never afford it when I was a youth. Before I discovered Asperger's I just figured I was a neurotic mess with symptoms from a whole plethora of various psychological conditions. Though in researching the various conditions, I would notice that they mentioned things I didn't experience which are mentioned as pretty much requisites of having the condition. I then found Asperger's just a few years ago (I'm 30 mind you and have struggled with these things for my whole life and never knew what was wrong) and it explains everything, including a whole butt-load of things that never even bothered me whatsoever. Stims for instance, and ability to intensely focus on whatever it is I'm doing. Getting so much satisfaction in putting forward all my time towards an interest and focusing on said interest for extended time periods. (My happiest times) Also things that don't bother me but other people say they would go mad. Spending most of my time in seclusion in my room and actually enjoying it for the most part. Various times I get depressed though, but I'll just talk to my parents or hang with my sister and it is satisfactory in aleviating the mild depression, cabin fever sort of. There's also the bad things, like constant struggles with insomnia, being prone to depression, having a hyperactive mind (though not always bad and benefits more than being detrimental more often than not) There's tons more, but I'll stop the rant and get to the point.

I fear if I went to a bad therapist, they would tell me I have that whole plethora of psychiatric conditions but they are all mild, some worse than others though. But in my mind that seems highly unlikey to be so unlucky to have a whole plethora of various conditions, and it makes so much more logical sense, and seems to be much more likely that I have Asperger's which literally explains everything...EVERYTHING, that I have dealt with, struggled with, enjoyed about myself, wondered about, for my whole life.

Though I don't know what to say to help you as I have never dealt with a therapist. I'll hold back on any opinions as to the thoughts about your therapist as well.

 

[Dragon's Tooth]

sounds like your therapist doesn't know much about aspies tbh. Aspergers can manifest in a number of ways.

a lot of people with aspergers often have other things going on as well. Like I have pretty bad depression and anxiety issues which are typically a result of people being jerks over my life and as a result it manifests as depression and anxiety.

Maybe try another therapist ... one that specializes in aspergers rather than sticking it out with someone who seems a bit close minded.

 

[poey]

I had the same issue with my therapist.
After six months of failed attempts to explain i actually cannot read facial expressions, nor name feelings of my own in an attempt to try and explain, I politely ended our relationship and have moved on to other means of obtaining a diagnosis.
It really gets frustrating when you're trying to reach out for help and all your pleas are explained by other things.
Depending on how long you've actually seen this therapist, i'd try and work things out with her first, and if she doesn't seem receptive, then let her know that you'd like to look around for another therapist because you won't have peace of mind until you've gotten a second opinion.
Just my two cents.
Your mileage may vary.

 

[fjord]

I had the same problem. Even though I went to my first therapist to get an aspie diagnosis, she didn't really persue that - she kept trying to work on everything else, like anxiety. I was patient for 4 or 5 months, but finally realized I wasn't going to convince her. IMO, if you have undiagnosed asperger's, addressing anxiety, depression, confidence, etc. in the traditional way will not work very well because you aren't looking at the root problem. Lots of people have those issues for different reasons, but asperger's is its own reason.

Trying to get the therapist to understand that I had trouble in social situations because I don't know what to do, not because I had a lack of confidence, was like banging my head against the wall. All her advice was missing the point. When you have trouble in social situations, it's really annoying to have someone dismiss your assessment of your own abilities, and just say you lack confidence or might need to take meds for anxiety.

Soo...I googled around for a therapist who specialized in adults with asperger's (and I emailed her to asked if she had experience with women with asperger's, as I'd read that it's harder to get a diagnosis.) She diagnosed me in our first visit; I fit all the criteria. I think my first therapist was going more on stereotypes (or lack therof) instead of having a frank discussion with me about the criteria. Getting the diagnosis and working with someone who seems to really get how I think has been incredibly helpful.

Also, having an official diagnosis myself made it easier, I think, to get an aspie diagnosis for my son.

 

[Arashi222]

It is often even more difficult for females to get properly dx'd with Aspergers. But I would suggest that if you really think you have AS I would try googling Autism specialists in your area they might be able to help you find someone that would be able to tell you for sure and be straight with you rather than telling you you don't have it because of whatever reasons. I hope you have luck.