Today I was diagnosed.

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I didn;t have a huge battery of neuro-psychological tests either. What i had was two hours of tests - observation, question and answer, sheets to fill out, informal talking, facial expression testing and also social dynamics testing involving scenarios and cards and I had to read what was happening in each circumstance. there was a lot of observation of me.

I also took in twenty or so pages of written information involving me and the Gillberg AS criteria.
I took in written pages from my son's dad who gave explicit examples of living with me and how I behave/communicate and operate. Later he also came in for a discussion about me and the AS as well.
I also took in a folder jam-packed with my special interest examples - maybe just 50 or so to give him an idea of my relationship with my primary special interest etc.

I also re-arranged the furniture in his office so i did not have to face him directly . this is true. I do this at ll counselling sessions if I cannot have a seat that is side-on.

The other thing i did was make sure the specialist who was assessing me was just that - a specialist in ASD's. That is all he deals with. That is his expert area.

And I have gone on to see this specialist for a year now, and it has been really beneificial to me and how I manage my life, my AS and some of the sensory problems I have.

by the way lilAsimov - I hope the dx brings you resolution, acceptance and helps you to fly and soar with your life.
It's been a year on now, and it has been hard for to accept the dx. But i am starting to feel ok and this is really good.

Thank you, Millie!! I will try my best in life.

GOOD FOR YOU! GO FOR IT AND ENJOY THE RIDE.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! Welcome to the diagnosis club!

Congratulations.

I got diagnosed today, as well. That's one day later than you. Nope, two days. Not too excited about it, but it's a relief. I'm going to get tested later. I've spent 1.5 hours in a session with two professionals observing me. One person from a group I attend came with me, which tremendously helped me with my anxiety.

They also based their diagnosis on the report from my psychologist and teachers. I gave them my baby book to read and they must have considered that, as well.

Congratulations on your official diagnosis TheLilAsimov. I sent you a PM relating some things here. But the point I want to make here is that it was a tremendous relief when I was officially diagnosed. But, official diagnosis aren't needed for everyone. But I felt I needed to know for sure. And the therapy I underwent afterwards helped me and my marriage. My wife later stated that she often felt so alone in our relationship---now, she knew why. And upon attending some of my therapy sessions, she accepted the way I am. So...I believe you will benefit too from your diagnosis.

The diagnosis usually doesn't take long. Like yours, mine went around an hour. My son's took perhaps a little longer---but he is in elementary school and the school actually performed their own extremely rigorous tests on him for his IEP. After a month of gathering data on him, and having him observed by experts, the results showed clearly that he had AS. Well...the psychiatrist told the school that. And the school was just being throrough. They had already assumed he had AS. He has also been used as our school's sample autistic student when the counselors attend state wide autism workshops.

I use the motto of "My journey has just begun," to relate what it is like when we realize we have AS (whether official or self-diagnosed). With the knowledge of understanding the reasons why we are the way we are...we begin anew...with a new understanding of life. As confusing as life can be, we realize there is a reason for it. And in this new journey comes a choice. We can either dwell on the challenges, or we can dwell on the gifts. Although I still ponder with challenges, I spend more time enjoying the benefits of AS. I absorb into my special intense interests and enjoy my gift of music. My challenge to everyone with AS is to do the same...find those things that AS has given to you that are good.

Well...congratulations to you too MathGirl. You don't have to be excited about it. I think more than anything, I was relieved. But I felt really good too. I felt like I could now move on with life with more of an understanding about myself. Now you need to focus on good things that AS has given to you. Sometimes they aren't evident. You are embarking on a journey where those things will surface. Sometimes you have to look deeply for them, but they are there. Good luck to you on your journey in life.

Oh, you are in my state, who did you see?

Thank you for your kind words. I will join various support groups and try not to think about it anymore, but always remember that there is nothing wrong with having AS and that's just the way I am.
I wonder when to tell my family, though. I need to catch the right moment. Or maybe do it in the presence of other people. Or maybe when I go to university, I could write them a letter to avoid the stress of facing them and having a huge discussion. Hmm.

Congratulations, MathGirl! I am feeling a combination of happiness and relief.

I saw Carissa Gaden in St. Clair Shores.

My diagnosis was pretty extensive, but my son was diagnosed in a matter of 2 appointments (one with his regular doctor for a referal and one with his specialist) all the extensive stuff for him came after the diagnosis for school placement and specialized therapy, which I opted out of anyway.

You're welcome MathGirl. Ok...about telling your family. I was 44 years old when I got diagnosed in November of 2008. I told my parents I was going for the evaluation beforehand. I simply had my mother look at the traits of AS, and she realized I fit them. She also realized several members of the family had some of those traits too. As for writing a letter---I think that is a good idea. I often write letters to my wife for example when there is something I want to discuss that I feel I might bumble up if I speak it. Letters work very well for this. It might help to show your family the criteria and let them realize how you fit it. Let them know that AS is a difference that has many good things. Good luck.