Seeking a "formal" diagnosis. It's hard..... little help here?

[Buffles]

First of all, I live in the southwestern U.S. I was diagnosed as an aspie by my therapist. That sent me into an obsession of getting THE diagnosis. There are no resources in the town I live in so I contacted a neuropsychologist in a town 180 miles away. This was three weeks ago. I've called to make sure they have all of the info they need and left a couple of messages. No response. I know it can take a long time,(I've been at it for 8 weeks) but shouldn't I at least get a "I'm workin' on it." response?

I'm seeking a professional diagnosis for a couple of small accommodations at work, plus I just want a diagnosis. (I think that's the OCD talking.) The anxiety over the whole thing is bugging the heck out of me.... When I want something I usually find a way.

Is it worth it to press on? What/Who should I contact next? My therapist is unable to give me a formal diagnosis for work purposes. What would happen if I just talk to my boss? The main issue I need help with doesn't usually come up until the spring. I don't want the disclosure to look like I'm trying to get out of a particular part of my job.

Ugh, I'll quit rambling. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[IanOSU]

First of all, I live in the southwestern U.S. I was diagnosed as an aspie by my therapist. That sent me into an obsession of getting THE diagnosis. There are no resources in the town I live in so I contacted a neuropsychologist in a town 180 miles away. This was three weeks ago. I've called to make sure they have all of the info they need and left a couple of messages. No response. I know it can take a long time,(I've been at it for 8 weeks) but shouldn't I at least get a "I'm workin' on it." response?

I'm seeking a professional diagnosis for a couple of small accommodations at work, plus I just want a diagnosis. (I think that's the OCD talking.) The anxiety over the whole thing is bugging the heck out of me.... When I want something I usually find a way.

Is it worth it to press on? What/Who should I contact next? My therapist is unable to give me a formal diagnosis for work purposes. What would happen if I just talk to my boss? The main issue I need help with doesn't usually come up until the spring. I don't want the disclosure to look like I'm trying to get out of a particular part of my job.

Ugh, I'll quit rambling. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

yes it's very hard to get an official diagbosis as an adult, much easier to get one when you were in adolescence stage. systematic wise, once you are diagnosed officially you will be able to apply for disability, another reason why doctors are very careful with diagnosing adults. as far as your boss go, describe your work and your relationship with your boss to your therapist, your therapist will decide what's best for you. maybe have your therapist write a letter to your boss on your behave. although they don't have legal obligation to give you extra assistance on your job since you're not official, most bosses are understanding. make sure to talk to your therapist before talking to your boss about this.

read more in this brief guide:
http://www.aane.org/about_asperger_syndrome/asperger_syndrome_diagnosis_adults.html

 

[Rocco]

I was diagnosed by a Kaiser Permanente autism specialist in Woodland Hills / LA area. Not sure if you have kaiser or who? for medical insurance.

I thought it curious that I was asked in my interview,
"Why do you want a diagnosis and what do you plan to do with it?"

I sought diagnosis to satisfy my compulsion for understanding, following informal diagnosis and self diagnosis. I said " just to know the truth, because with that and $5 I can get coffee."


What follows is pure (paranoid) speculation

Having a motive beyond Knowledge may raise question or doubt. To rephrase; if you are seeking diagnosis to secure accommodation, special treatment, or benefits of some sort, it is POSSIBLE this motive may prolong, complicate, cast doubt, etc. onto your case. Again this is pure speculation. It may not matter one way or the other.

In my case, at age 33/34, I explained my childhood history, previous professional diagnosis/ misdiagnosis, life habits, shared results of all online testing, explained difficulties as best as I could, to a specialist. I had been in counseling and with my history and based on a long interview, I was diagnosed.

Good luck

 

[IanOSU]

I was diagnosed by a Kaiser Permanente autism specialist in Woodland Hills / LA area. Not sure if you have kaiser or who? for medical insurance.

I thought it curious that I was asked in my interview,
"Why do you want a diagnosis and what do you plan to do with it?"

I sought diagnosis to satisfy my compulsion for understanding, following informal diagnosis and self diagnosis. I said " just to know the truth, because with that and $5 I can get coffee."


What follows is pure (paranoid) speculation

Having a motive beyond Knowledge may raise question or doubt. To rephrase; if you are seeking diagnosis to secure accommodation, special treatment, or benefits of some sort, it is POSSIBLE this motive may prolong, complicate, cast doubt, etc. onto your case. Again this is pure speculation. It may not matter one way or the other.

In my case, at age 33/34, I explained my childhood history, previous professional diagnosis/ misdiagnosis, life habits, shared results of all online testing, explained difficulties as best as I could, to a specialist. I had been in counseling and with my history and based on a long interview, I was diagnosed.

Good luck
View attachment 20571

I was asked the same question during my diagnosis. I sense the speculation. and I understand, because an official diagbosis makes you eligible for government aid. at the end I was given an unofficial diagnosis, but that's good enough for seeking treatment, for now.

 

[thiswaygo]

I was asked that question too, repeatedly.

 

[thiswaygo]

So, my therapist gave me a diagnosis. How do I know if it was "official "?

 

[thiswaygo]

By the way, Rocco; we're neighbors. I live in Sherman Oaks!

 

[Buffles]

Thanks for the feedback! I think the most valuable thing I've found through the quest called diagnosis is the fact that I finally found people that think like me and "get" me.

I've been asked the why do you want a diagnosis question repeatedly. It seems like a little inside joke now.

I have excellent BCBS insurance and because of an ankle surgery, I have met my out of pocket expenses. This is another reason I'm so anxious about getting a diagnosis soon..... I don't have to pay co-pays.

I put my primary care physician on it. Hopefully he can find someone who will give me that diagnosis.

Thanks again!

 

[Nacho]

Thanks for the feedback! I think the most valuable thing I've found through the quest called diagnosis is the fact that I finally found people that think like me and "get" me.

I've been asked the why do you want a diagnosis question repeatedly. It seems like a little inside joke now.

I have excellent BCBS insurance and because of an ankle surgery, I have met my out of pocket expenses. This is another reason I'm so anxious about getting a diagnosis soon..... I don't have to pay co-pays.

I put my primary care physician on it. Hopefully he can find someone who will give me that diagnosis.

Thanks again!

I am also under review nowadays for a diagnosis... I know it's hard to understand, but you need to realize that with or without a diagnosis, you will be different than NTs, as well as all on this forum.
For me, a diagnosis would relieve me, since many people don't usually take you seriously in some situations / when you tell them you're getting nervous, anxious, etc... They won't understand until you have a diagnosis.
However, if my diagnosis turned out (by the doctor that's treating me right now) to be inconclusive, I would still consider myself as an Aspie. You need to realize that the opinion of one person over your problems does not change you or how you are.

Hope my answer helped you