To the undiagnosed aspies: Is diagnosis important to you?

Post Reply New Topic

As some of you know, I actually inquired about getting dx'd yesterday. Was told to ask an Endocrinologist. This sounds like the most expensive route to me, is it?

Sincerely,
Matthew

I am with melmaclorelai @ noname... getting dxd just means you have a "problem." You are in a minority. But, there is nothing that "they" can do for you. If you live somewhere where ASD is a "disorder" then you may get money from the government, or the state... but you have to somehow declare that you have trouble getting by... you need a hand, understanding.

This is what some doctors believe:

Diagnosis
There are no tests for Asperger syndrome. The diagnosis is based on observations of the child's behavior. Neuropsychological and IQ tests may be given. Medical tests may be ordered to help rule out other conditions. Children and their families can benefit from early intervention. Knowing what is wrong also helps families understand why the child acts differently than other children.

Treatment
There is no treatment to cure Asperger syndrome. Treatments aim to control symptoms and improve social skills. Patients often learn to function independently as adults. However, they usually continue to experience problems with social interaction. They also may develop mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Children with Asperger syndrome need love and understanding, as well as a structured schedule.

Therapies include:

Medication
Drugs to help control symptoms may include:

Stimulants
Mood-altering drugs
Drugs to control seizures
Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—such as citalopram (eg, Celexa), sertraline (eg, Zoloft), fluoxetine (eg, Prozac), paroxetine (eg, Paxil CR)
Neuroleptics—such as risperidone (eg, Risperdal)
Counseling
Behavior modification therapy and training can help children develop social skills. Learning how to make and keep friends is difficult for these children. As they grow up, many find the lack of friends troubling.
http://www.doctorsofusc.com/condition/document/12037
......................
My rant is that once "doctors" get their hands on you, if you can pay in any way, then they won't let you go. You will come to them with "problems" on a schedule, and they will offer you solutions.

While there isn't a 'treatment schedule' - if there was I would scrutinize medications - there are support services that you cannot receive without a proper diagnosis. I do agree with your description of the problems within the medical community - treating with medication, potentially causing more problems.

Treatment
There is no treatment to cure Asperger syndrome. Treatments aim to control symptoms and improve social skills. Patients often learn to function independently as adults. However, they usually continue to experience problems with social interaction. They also may develop mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Children with Asperger syndrome need love and understanding, as well as a structured schedule.