Pros and Cons of Formal Diagnosis

Post Reply New Topic

To supply a bit of background information: I am currently 32-years-old. In my early twenties, I first heard about Asperger's Syndrome, and for the first time I felt that I could understand myself. Since then, I have never been formally diagnosed. I have taken the Asperger's Quotient (AQ) test, and my score is 44. This, along with a body of other research and conversations with health professionals, has led me to believe wholeheartedly that I am an Aspie. I am currently weighing the pros and cons of seeking a formal diagnosis. Fortunately, I have a job, and my manager is understanding of some special needs I have to make my work environment suitable for me. However, I plan to leave this position within a few months to pursue graduate education, and I am afraid to rely on understanding bosses forever. I'm considering formal diagnosis in order to have documentation that I can present if there are settings where superiors are less accommodating of my needs. I am debating the cost (both time and money) versus the value of diagnosis.

I would love to hear the thoughts of others. Thanks!

Definitely get a formal diagnosis you might need support for simple extensions later on!

I had a very positive experience when I got a formal diagnosis and asked for accommodations at work. I've heard a few people on the boards said they had a less positive response, but I think it depends on where you work. Studies show that larger companies are more likely to be accommodation-friendly, and if they do Federal contracting, they will be really accommodation-friendly, because the government favors businesses with disabled employees when awarding contracts. I think consulting, IT, and academic environments are going to be more tolerant, since a lot of them have autistic workers anyway. Timing is key--it's best to wait until you've received an offer letter before disclosing your ASD. People who disclose at the time of the interview but before the offer are less likely to get hired. Also, it's generally best to disclose before you get into trouble at work, although you are not obligated to disclose at a particular time. I was diagnosed after working at my company for years.

A formal diagnosis can help you while you're at university too. Many universities have support centers for disabled students, although I don't have any experience with that, so I can't tell you much about their services.

Regarding cost, the biggest downside: if you have health insurance, do some research into whether or not the testing is actually covered. I was initially told that my insurance didn't cover it (Kaiser), but I did some digging and called around a lot, and found that there was one clinical psychologist who was qualified to do the test, and that it was covered.

Thank you. I've reached out to a local Autism Foundation to start the process

Thank you so much for all the information and for sharing your experiences! My ultimate goal is to be a university professor, so being a quirky nerd will be a bonus.

A formal diagnosis is worth it if you feel you need to the extra support and accommodations otherwise I don't see the point unless just for peace of mind. OP is 32 so it probably doesn't matter but a formal diagnosis would forever DQ from being able to serve in the military which is an avenue I think a lot of directionless young men look towards as an escape from their situation. There was a time when I seriously thought about joining the military, I don't think I could of handled it then but I think I could now but they're not interested.

There is always the option of informal diagnosis. This is where a competent clinician says you are autistic, but no disgnostic report or record is created. With this option your suspicions are validated if you need that, but you have no worries of the information getting into the wrong hands, unless you disclose to the wrong person. Since a report is not bieng written this option should be less expensive. If you need benefits this option will not help you.