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AspieAdam
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05 Mar 2016, 3:45 pm

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!



Amity
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05 Mar 2016, 5:34 pm

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



GodzillaWoman
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06 Mar 2016, 12:01 am

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.


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AspieAdam
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06 Mar 2016, 9:37 am

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

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



AspieAdam
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06 Mar 2016, 9:39 am

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.

GodzillaWoman wrote:
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.



AspieUtah
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06 Mar 2016, 9:45 am

AspieAdam wrote:
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!

It seems to me that you have a great plan toward either remaining self-identified as autistic or to pursue a diagnosis. So far, you have done what you can to support your self-identification with evidence. Good luck with your choice!


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Diagnosed in 2015 with ASD Level 1 by the University of Utah Health Care Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic using the ADOS-2 Module 4 assessment instrument [11/30] -- Screened in 2014 with ASD by using the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre AQ (Adult) [43/50]; EQ-60 for adults [11/80]; FQ [43/135]; SQ (Adult) [130/150] self-reported screening inventories -- Assessed since 1978 with an estimated IQ [≈145] by several clinicians -- Contact on WrongPlanet.net by private message (PM)


Jacoby
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06 Mar 2016, 10:47 am

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.



ASPartOfMe
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06 Mar 2016, 2:35 pm

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.


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GodzillaWoman
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06 Mar 2016, 10:17 pm

ASPartOfMe wrote:
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.

That's a good option too. My therapist was telling me that one of her other clients was going the informal diagnosis route. That way they don't have anything on record, since the therapist can just write down something like "general anxiety disorder" or depression, but you can still work on your specific ASD issues in therapy.


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Diagnosed Bipolar II in 2012, Autism spectrum disorder (moderate) & ADHD in 2015.