have i been diagnosed with aspergers or autism?

[puddles282]

I suspected I had Aspergers, so I told my doctor, at first he didnt want to help, he said they usually notice AS in children and people in the medical industry dont make mistakes. But after reading my medical records he changed his mind ! He said I need to see a consultant.

 

I waited four months to see a psychiatrist, and after meeting him he concluded that I had Aspergers or a different Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I didnt take an IQ test or anything, he just asked questions and I have not had a brain scan either.

 

Have I been diagnosed?

[Tally]

Hi puddles, and welcome to the forum.

 

This doesn't yet sound like a formal diagnosis, since he has not actually come to a conclusion as to what exactly your diagnosis is. But I think it is definite enough for you to be sure in your own mind, and to tell your friends and family (if you want to anyway).

 

I think you need to ask your GP to clarify your situation, especially if you intend to use the diagnosis to seek formal or financial support, or inform your employer or educators.

 

I don't think it's normal to have a brain scan to diagnose AS or autism, unless there are indicators of a problem with the brain. I certainly did not have one anyway.

 

I'm not so sure about the IQ test. I think it helps them to diagnose if they have a rough idea whether your IQ is low, average or high.

[Shnoing]

Questions may have been enough to dx you, especially if there were some questions about when 'it' started (childhood?) and if there was a delay in using spoken language.

Have you already had a look at the ICD-10 at the WHO?

 

Eta: look at F 84

Edited May 8, 2008 by Shnoing

[puddles282]

I have appaling news, in spite of what the psychiatrist suggested, i have not been diagnosed, according to my doctor i will have to go see a psychotherapists etc before they even decide. But do psychotherapists diagnose Aspergers in adults? I thought they deal with things like depression.

 

I just want an assessment to find out whether I have it.(and i believe i do) People will not believe me without an offical diagnosis.

[NobbyNobbs]

i'm in more or less the same boat as you at the moment. i've had a session with a psychiatrist who gave me a working diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, and ive had the IQ test you talked about the WAIS III. however the WAIS was only because i'm at university so they needed to assess any support i needed i believe. i'm now waiting for a formal assessment and diagnosis. so far i've got the referral to the centre and now am waiting for the funding to be okayed. the process for adult diagnosis for AS is long and very frustrating because everything is set up for children. in my very limited experience your best bet is to go onto the NAS website and start researching diagnosis centres near you, and other support groups as those people will have the best advice on how to speed things up

[Karen A]

I have appaling news, in spite of what the psychiatrist suggested, i have not been diagnosed, according to my doctor i will have to go see a psychotherapists etc before they even decide. But do psychotherapists diagnose Aspergers in adults? I thought they deal with things like depression.

 

I just want an assessment to find out whether I have it.(and i believe i do) People will not believe me without an offical diagnosis.

 

Hi.No psychotherapists are not able to diagnose AS..it is the role of a psyciatrist or psychologist such as a clinical psychologist with specialist training.However a psychotherapist might contribute an opinion to a mult-professional assessment especially if there is a possibility that other factors other than AS [such as anxiety or the effects of a traumatic event could be relevant in deciding on an accurate Dx].

It is also worth saying that some psychotherapists are also psychiatrists with appropriate medical qualifications and so it would be worth asking for clarification.Karen.

[puddles282]

I see a Psychotheropist twice months ago, he said he believes I have Aspergers, and that I will see someone different for an assessment. Nothing happened. I've waited months.

 

I spoke to my doctor about this grievance, he said that they probably have not made a mistake and that an assessment is not urgent.

 

But I feel that if I have Aspergers Syndrome, it should be acknowledged, I don't think there is anything unreasonable about that. Without diagnosis, it is difficult to get help.

 

I don't know what I should do now.

[chris54]

Dear Puddles.

 

If you can afford it and it is not against your principals you can go for a private diagnosis. This can save a lot of time and should stand up just as well. A root taken by a friend of mine for her son then aged 4.You may find for any diagnosis that you need a reliable witness of your childhood.

 

You will find that things can take a long time. And as an adult I'm not sure what you expect to get out of a formal diagnosis other than you own peace of mind.

 

Good luck, Hope you find what you are looking for.

 

Chris

[Tally]

Hi puddles,

 

I would contact the psychologist and find out what is going on.

 

Unfortunately, it may well be the case that your assessment is not being treated as urgent. A diagnosis is unlikely to help you in and of itself. Support for adults with AS is so scarce, that it may not even lead to appropriate support anyway.

 

You are not being unreasonable, but NHS provision is so poor that they really are not well-placed to help people outside of a crisis situation.

[Karen A]

Hi puddles.I think it may be the case that the psychotherapist could contribute to the assessment.I discovered yesterday that in my area psychotherapists do contribute an opinion as part of the assessment process for children and teenagers with possible AS now .However a specific consultant or team may have responsibitity for the overall assessment.

It may be worth contacting the psychiatrist again to see if you are on a waiting list for a full assessment.If you are not then ask to be re referred to go on it.Karen.