Confusing Diagnosis

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My first post, yay!

So, I've been trying to get an official diagnosis for ASD Level 1. I searched around for someone qualified to do this that would fall under my insurance coverage and got a referral. Appointment set up and I went in and presented my hypothesis. They had me take the MCMI-3 and the MMPI-2 and set up an appointment that was today to go over the results with another doctor. The result was that I have "schizoid traits" and "mild autism" (his explanation). The problem is that this testing doesn't diagnose ASD and this doctor didn't seem to have a clue about autism in general. He told me that I should just get out of my head and be more spontaneous in social situations. He also seemed to think that my manner of speaking was a regurgitation of researched terminology when that is just my actual vocabulary. I thought this appointment was to go over the results and proceed with some more relevant testing but I'm just left here confused. My online health chart now says "autistic disorder"... so, is that it? No more testing? It just seems like they did a lazy job with their diagnostics, but should I be happy that I have a diagnosis without having to pay my deductible's worth of proper testing? It just seems so unofficial and invalid...

I am not Autistic in anyway but I can see you are concerned and left with a bunch of questions and confusion. When I took my son to a psychologist at age 3, I was told nothing was wrong with him. That he is just seeking attention. Now that he is 8 I am demanding answers because the signs still exist! The school wants to test my son soon, however I also decided to go through someone privately as well. I just took him yesterday to get tested (he gets tested with the school at the start of the new school year). He is extremely high functioning perhaps Asperger's if he is on the ASD. Prior to testing, the psychologist did tell me testing does NOT always diagnosis autism for those who are more higher functioning. I have heard of parents going multiple times to multiple different psychologist before they got the diagnosis. They are relying heavy as well as teachers and school staff, to paint a picture of my son. That is key in diagnosing a child. I am really eager to get the report back and to see if what I FEEL is going on, will be confirmed once and for all.
I do not believe it is right or professional that they are not willing to test you. Even if it may be clear to them that you are ASD and the psychologist does not feel it is necessary, they should also take your feelings into consideration. They should allow you to get tested if this is what will help give you the answers you're wanting.I would recommend going for a second opinion else where! To someone who is willing to have your input in your own diagnosis. Good luck to you!

Definitely get a second opinion. And find someone who specializes in ASD. I am not familiar with the tests you mentioned but I know that if it were me, I would want someone who knows ASD inside and out. And you said your online health chart says Autistic Disorder. Is that as a result of those tests you mentioned?

The tests were personality profiles to determine personality disorders. I think they used what was available to them (to their knowledge) to diagnose it. It just bothers me because I know there are better tests. It might have just been the demeanor that the doctor had and his lack of knowledge of the subject. I will definitely be looking elsewhere; although, its difficult to find someone that handles adult diagnosis.

Definitely keep us posted on how it goes. And by the way, Welcome to WP and congrats on your first thread and first post!

Wait a second, the doc diagnosed you with mild autism, an autistic disorder, which I'm sure comes out to ASD level 1. What are you unhappy about? Isn't that what you asked for?

Although you are probably not aware of it, the psychiatrist or psychologist uses a lot of observation of you in the interview and testing situations to judge your mental status. So it's not like these instruments you named were the only factors in their diagnosis.