Wrong Planet for whom?

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Hi everyone,

I've just joined WP, seemed like a fairly reasonable proposition - kind of suspected that was something g different about myself, at least about my mental processing for a very, very long time.

I have taken a number of the online, non-diagnostic Autism/Asperger's tests, all provide essentially the same result - Aspie, NOT NT. So I have arranged for a full Asperger's Assessment with a Psychologist here in Dublin for April next year - need to pay him up front first, which to be honest seems reasonable.

I've read a fair amount over the past week or so, yes I am that new to AS, it seems that I fall into the group that whilst fully accepting that the online tests strongly indicate an AS thingy, it'll require a full on, expensive, clinical diagnosis to let it fully sink in and be accepted etc.

I live in Ireland, and have done for the past 13 years - originally from the UK. I'm married, with 2 great kids and work as an Contract IT QA Test Analyst. Which given the potential AS, may not be much of a shock.

I currently really don't know how to process these potentially indicative test results; and at the same time feel something of an intruder as I haven't a formal AS diagnosis, just a very, very strong suspicion with supporting circumstantial evidence...

Any help, guidance, suggested books to read, Web site, blogs or anything really that may be able to assist would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Gary

Hi Gary,
You seem to be taking the same route which I took. A suspiciopn, searching out the online "Tests"abd eventually getting assessed. It was something over two years between my suspicions being aroused by a televisd lecture given by Dr Tempe Grandin titled "My Experience of Autism" to the point I contacted the consultants who assessed me against the criteria. The test results rather sobered me and I spent considerable time researching the subject, especially the accounts from people who are autistic. It did rather become one of those "Intense Special Interests" noted as one of the behaviours.

We probably have similar profiles, both of us in a specialised technical field (Broacast Engineering is mine, combined with Electrical Installation). Well done by the way on having lovely wife and children. It would not surprise me if your thoughts swing back and forth between a reasonable certainty about being on the spectrum, and then noting those life successes like employment, family etc and thinking "No way"

It was about two years after that first suspicion I felt ready to seek an assessment. And had the face to face last Thursday which did not surprise me at the end when my assessor delivered the conclusion that I was Autistic, and also gave very encouraging feedback on the self awareness and application of an intelligent brain to devise all the compensating and managing strategies I have at my disposal as a successful fifty something Aspie / Autie.

Hey Gary welcome.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Hi, Gary----WELCOME!!

Maybe the no.1 book recommended here, is "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" by Tony Attwood. A few people have gone through it, with a fine tooth comb, and taken in-depth notes, and then taken it with them to the doctor, cuz it helps them have organized thoughts.

Also, pretty much anything by Temple Grandin.

Another really popular book, is "Neurotribes" (I forget who it's by).

Also, you might like to see a couple of movies: "Temple Grandin", "Rain Man", and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (I really like this one, because Leonardo DiCaprio's character [who's NOT "Gilbert Grape"] is similar to some of us).

I know you're in Ireland (not the U.S.), but this website gives you the criteria for Asperger's----I'm thinking yours is very close; and also, it seems I've heard you guys get diagnosed by our DSM, sometimes (and, diagnosed with Aspergers, which is the DSM 4, and we're on DSM 5):

http://www.autism-society.org/dsm-iv-diagnostic-classifications/#aspergers

Again, welcome!! I hope you learn alot, here, and find everything you're looking-for.

Take care,

Cat