New here---Get diagnosed or not? Confused about this.

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum. I've been searching online for info regarding Asperger's as I feel I have this. It explains me to a T, and basically my whole life. It explains so much and I feel like I now understand myself.

My question is, is it worthwhile to have a diagnosis of this syndrome, or do I just classify myself as having this because I fit the description of it to a T and there is no need to get diagnosed...?

I just tried calling 2 clinics to get an appointment. The first was an Autism clinic and they said they can't give diagnoses, a psychiatrist needs to, but after that they can give me therapy. O-kay. So, then I called a psychiatric clinic here in my area, and there were 2 psychiatrists who treated this at this clinic, but one wasn't accepting new patients and the other treated only children or adolescents, and then she said they didn't accept my insurance anyways; that it was out of their network.

I'm just left feeling very frustrated. I've read that I should find a person who specializes in autism spectrum disorder to get a diagnosis, but the ones who do specialize either won't take me right now or only deal with youth. And then this stupid insurance issue. I really don't know what to think.

Some people on here have said they don't need a diagnosis to make this syndrome "real", and that what does it matter. I hear what they are saying. I'm just confused on what to do.

Get a diagnosis somewhere that will accept me OR just live my life, buy books, treat myself as best I can and tell people I have this, even though a doctor never substantiated it for me....? I'm just afraid my family will look at me like, okay you have this syndrome, Asperger's, yet no doctor said you have it. I dunno. I mean, I feel they already look at me like I'm an oddball anyways. I'm afraid of reactions my family will give me I guess. I hate feeling humored by people, only to be left feeling like why did I even confide in this person about my condition.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

similar situation to you although i did find a place that can diagnose.

Well you obviously do want to get diagnosed, you just aren't finding a means to do it right now. I personally think diagnosis should always occur when it is possible. There is little to be gained from a self-diagnosis.

Getting the diagnosis has to be your decision. The benefits are that you will be able to access other services with a diagnosis (as you found out with the autism centre) and more help will be available for you. Also, with family and friends, it helps them to understand it really isn't you being difficult or mean. I have no idea why, but a piece of paper from a doc saying "this is it" seems to help others accept more.

You might want to contact the autism centre again and ask them for names of psychiatrist some of their clients have used before. You aren't asking for a recommendation, just names. If they won't give you any, then do an internet search for any in your area you might be able to go to.

Ring up and make an appointment with someone if you can. If you get an appointment but it's going to be months away, that's OK take it anyway and then ring others. If you can get one sooner, take it and go back and cancel the first one.

In the mean time, research, research, research. Learn as much as you can. Do you know what areas you have weaknesses in? You can research that to find ways to deal with it yourself. Let's say you have a problem socialising. You could read books on basic psychology or social interaction. Even books on body language.

I know it can seem like the world is against you and trying to prevent you getting this. I went through something similar trying to get a bipolar diagnosis. You just need to have patience and remember to breathe