What is the process of being diagnosed with Asperger’s as someone 17 and older?

[Mark Smith]

Asking as someone who will eventually seek a diagnosis.

 

[Mr Allen]

IMO the earlier in life you get an official diagnosis the better off you'll be.

I wasn't diagnosed till October 1999 at the age of 23 and half, the day before me Dad's 51st birthday and he's 70 this year on October 24th.

If they'd "got" me earlier in life, like I said I'd probably have fared a lot better in school and stuff, although I would've got a LOT of flack, I would've been called retarded and all that crap at school and beyond, I used to get called a "Spastic" when I was about 8, and I wasn't even diagnosed as Aspie back then, circa 1984.

If you suspect you're on the spectrum, do what my Brother and my sister in law did for me, Google loads of info on the subject and take it to your Doctor, and from there start the process for a formal diagnosis.

 

[Gritches]

1. See a mental health professional who agrees that you probably have autism. The goal is to get a referral to a specialist who can diagnose you. I got my referral from a nurse practitioner, I don't know what sort of qualifications are required to give a referral. If one doesn't think you have autism, try a different one.

2. See the specialist. Bring a parent if possible, in my case the specialist asked more "when he was a kid" questions than questions about how I am now.

That was pretty much it for me. It may vary, I don't know.

 

[Mark Smith]

IMO the earlier in life you get an official diagnosis the better off you'll be.

I wasn't diagnosed till October 1999 at the age of 23 and half, the day before me Dad's 51st birthday and he's 70 this year on October 24th.

If they'd "got" me earlier in life, like I said I'd probably have fared a lot better in school and stuff, although I would've got a LOT of flack, I would've been called retarded and all that crap at school and beyond, I used to get called a "Spastic" when I was about 8, and I wasn't even diagnosed as Aspie back then, circa 1984.

If you suspect you're on the spectrum, do what my Brother and my sister in law did for me, Google loads of info on the subject and take it to your Doctor, and from there start the process for a formal diagnosis.

I myself wished I could’ve seen a psychologist and been diagnosed when I was younger, but I didn’t suspect myself of having Asperger’s until about 2 months ago.

 

[SplendidSnail]

I think it varies a bit from country to country.

For me, when I was assessed at age 36, I had an interview with the psychologist, had to do various exercises like telling a story based on a picture book, telling a story based on cards, as questions as the psychologist told me about his day, etc. I had to do a written test of 380 or so multiple choice questions. And the psychologist interviewed my parents.

If you do intend to seek a diagnosis and you're 17 right now, I'd suggest you try to do it ASAP, because I think in most countries it's much easier to find a psychologist who will do a diagnosis for children or teens than for adults.

 

[Progster]

It varies from country to country, and even region to region, so I would Google/research it for your particular area, or ask here if there is anyone from your area or country who has gone through the procedure. You might need to see a GP first, or you might need to approach a psychiatrist. Good luck!