So I have come across a few forums and threads here over the weeks while trying to better understand HFA/AS and finally built the courage to make an account.
I believe that I have Asperger's but have never been evaluated or tested. I am currently trying to find a way to get an adult evaluation and potential therapy to help with my struggles but am running into a lot of difficulty at the moment.
I'm 25, a nonbinary/transgender individual, and of low income. I reside in Washington, USA. I've been told by several therapists and neurologists that they don't accept my insurance and that I would have to do private pay if I wanted to be tested. The problem with private pay basis is it's not affordable to me and what they call "sliding scale" is still quite expensive. I will probably find a way to pay out of pocket just so I can at least get evaluated but I'm pretty sure I need therapy to coincide to help cope better as I do have symptoms of depression and PTSD which was diagnosed in the past but left at just that as years went by.
I want to learn how to cope better with my struggles and take better care of myself because I don't like feeling alone, unable to relate to anyone, unable to feel relaxed or happy, and I just want to make life better for myself once instead of focusing away from it and more absorbed in helping others. I am basically at a point in my life where everything I've just "dealt with" or "kept inside" is no longer doable and there needs to be a change.
I came across Rudy's "Aspergirls" through a blog about a transgender individual that discovered they had AS and how they found it interesting that nonbinary/transgender individuals are more likely to be AS, neurodiversive and that's kind of where my dive into this all began as well as trying to better understand how to help friends of mine who are struggling with sensory overload. I am very new to understanding and I'm learning so much every day. I feel like I was in the dark for so long and so much I never quite understood in regards to myself and other is making so much more sense now.
A lot of Rudy's chapters (I had to read the whole book after that blog shared a small tidbit) hit me to the core and I feel it's important to now be tested so that I can at least understand my roots and maybe how I can keep said roots healthy and not crying out all the time.
So yes, this is my first time posting here on the site and I'm hoping to discuss and learn as much as I can. I wish I had known about this place years ago but I'm here now!
17 Jun 2016, 1:43 pm
