Getting a diagnose or not?

Post Reply New Topic

I've suspected I might have Asperger Syndrom for just about a year now. It would explain a lot of who I am; however, I think I'd classify for the 'mild' aspie. I struggle a lot, especially in social situations, but do a pretty good job at masking it.
Recently I've started doing some more research into the subject and now I'm thinking about getting diagnosed, but I'm not sure what the consequences would be, hence my question: what are the pro's and cons of a diagnose?

Pros:
-you're more sure about what is up with you (this is actually bigger than it sounds even)
-you qualify for working with people who require ASD diagnoses
-you qualify for working with people who require a disability such as programs to help people with disabilities find work
-you qualify for accommodations for your job if you need them

Cons:
-it can be expensive
-depending on where you live you might have more issues with insurance (few places in the US, but there are some, and some places elseware)

Depends on where you are and what your doing

No advantage for me in NZ, unless i was a student or needing financial assistance

If your high functioning your probably at no advantage with a DX

The only con I've come across so far was the expense. I would pay it again for the diagnosis though--as in--even though I have no money, money was not really in issue; I REALLY wanted to know. I live in Canada though, so I don't have to really worry too much about private insurance companies (I have insurance through my school right now, and much of our health care is absolutely free. I haven't had to worry about anything else yet).

Another con is that you can be prevented from moving to some Countries; you cannot get the VISA if you have AS because it is assumed you will milk the system (even if it isn't true).

Depending on where you are and what you are doing, you may or not have problems if you check the "yes" box when asked if you are diagnosed with a mental disorder (think of applying for a licence, a charge or whatever).

The main pro are the services you can get; I suggest you to see what you need and what you actually can get where you live.

Identity is an important pro as well; especially the fact you don't have to explain you are self-diagnosed, that usually comes with a little boring debate.

Yikes! I never knew this. Which countries?

Well, I guess if they are that discriminatory, I don't want to live there anyway!

I face the same dilemma. Since I am high functioning as well, I don't really need any medication or services provided by the diagnosis. However, I would really like to know if I really qualify for aspergers, since this provides a far better explanation for why I am like I am than anything else I've ever thought of, and since I've never felt greater identification with a group than what I have with the people on this forum. But it seems like ti's difficult to come through, and the health care system says "well, what do you hope to acieve by it?".

I'm not sure I could qualify for a diagnosis. I tend to read thorugh all the fancy tests, since I have learned to understand what people expect of us in social situations, and it's very hard for me to put aside.

However, whetever I qualify for a diagnosis or not, the Asperger traits I have in my personality are still present. Realising this have helped me a great deal. Now I can maybe forsee which situations might make me uncomfortable and avoid them, and maybe be aware that my awkwardness in some social and work situations have a reason. It helps me not getting frustrated when I can't read someone, or when I take something people say literal when it was a joke. And that's really nice. Then I don't have to feel like a freak around them.

I'm currently about to get tested [I hope!], mainly for this bolded reason. I've had enough not knowing what is up with me and everything points to AS, even my psychologist suspects AS.

Since my psy said yeah I suspect it, I've felt a loaded lifted off my shoulders and the things I do don't bother me as much as they used to.

No idea how much it will cost but my parents are willing to help out.

I am sure about Canada and I have been told it is the same in Australia and USA as well. I don't know about the others but refusing "mentally ill" people is considered "normal". You aren't allowed even for family reunion (sp?).

But what about information on your DX? Aren't those records supposed to be sealed?
I currently live in the Netherlands but I am thinking about studying in the US for my PhD...

AFAIK they should be sealed unless you have asked for some service in your Country... Not sure, though. A friend said that the best thing would be lying while applying, since they very likely will not be ablo to check anyway - but the thing is you are actually asked about your diagnoses and if you tell the truth you are out (I think it is easier for temporary VISA but still you have a different procedure if you have conditions of any kind).

Are you sure about that? I live in Canada, and have never heard of that before. I do know of one family that is having a rough time right now. I am totally on the family's side, but it is important to note that that child isn't JUST suffering from autism.

At http://www.canadavisa.com/canadian-immigration-faq-medical-examinations.html

it says:

"Each medical case is analyzed individually, taking into account your full medical history. If the disease or disorder poses health risks to Canadians or places excessive demands on the Canadian health care system, it may result in medical inadmissibility."

Which leaves it fairly open to interpretation. Maybe if you catch the immigration officer on a bad day...

Well, I am not an officer. I was told this by a friend who wanted to move there and was working hard on a job project, just to discover that she wasn't allowed because of AS.