Evaluated for Autism

So for several months now I have speculated that I might suffer from either a personality disorder (obsessive compulsive) or an autism spectrum disorder. After bringing it up with family and my primary care doctor I was sort of laughed at and not taken very seriously. It didn't really hurt my feelings much because I realize that seeking a diagnosis as an adult is more challenging.

Anyways, I finally went to a Neuropsychologist and went in and put my chips on the table. In the past this question was in the back of my mind with former therapists, but I was always too embarrassed to bring it up. So I walked right in and said I am here for a possible ASD diagnosis so I couldn't chicken out.

After about 3 minutes of continually explaining to him my symptoms, he looked up at me and said "I agree". Apparently he assessed my communication style and came to the conclusion that there is a strong possibility I may be autistic. We discussed it further over the course of the next hour and he said that there is a good chance I am autistic, but that it would be a marginal case where a formal diagnosis would only help if I wanted to use it to explain my limitations to employers.

I decided not to get the formal diagnosis right away. I am not sure how I feel about the whole thing. Part of me really wants to know, but part of me thinks that it might be better not to label myself. I have overcome a lot of my challenges on my own, and it was a painful and depressing process, and I think that a formal diagnosis might result in feelings of hopelessness for overcoming some other things I struggle with.

Anyways, I guess I was just wondering if anybody could offer advice, not necessarily on whether to get the diagnosis or not, but maybe how to handle my feelings about it.

I have kind of a similar question. I was going to post a topic but figured I'd just follow this one.

What exactly is involved in a formal diagnosis? I've had two psychiatrists so far agree that I'm autistic. What more is there? And what benefit might there be to getting it "official", whatever that means?

LukeAlistar wrote:I have kind of a similar question. I was going to post a topic but figured I'd just follow this one.

What exactly is involved in a formal diagnosis? I've had two psychiatrists so far agree that I'm autistic. What more is there? And what benefit might there be to getting it "official", whatever that means?

Well I am not fully sure what the formal diagnosis involves. I think it is a series of tests that check for signs of autism, like facial recognition tests and task completion tests. A lot of it are questionnaires as well I think. There seems to be many different diagnostic tools, so it could depend on your doctors preferences.

In my case the neuropsychologist said that I am a mild or fringe case, so I would really only benefit from the diagnosis in an intrinsic way, and also as a way to explain to an employer that I might need accommodations in certain areas. So for example, you can let them know you have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and tell them that you probably shouldn't be driving long distances to meetings by yourself. There could also be a situation where they might want to promote you to a role that is more customer service focused, and maybe social situations are overwhelming to you, so you can decline the position and explain your decision based on your ASD diagnosis.

If you are more severe and younger, you could benefit through therapy techniques that are used only for autistics. If you are like me, and you are in your early to mid twenties and are relatively mild, the neuropsychologist told me that there would be no change in the types of therapy I would receive (exposure therapy, anti-anxiety medications etc.) If you are severe and unable to work, you can also apply for disability benefits as well.