Obtaining a diagnosis for AS

Post Reply New Topic

I only recently became aware of AS. After having done an extensive amount of reading on the subject, I have become fascinated looking back on my life with a new sense of understanding. So many of the things I'm reading - personal reports, tendencies, etc. - they are so eerie, it's as if I'm reading my own biography. Growing up, I always knew I was different from most of my peers. Now 26-years-old, I had just settled into the idea that I am eccentric, neurotic, and socially isolated. There's something very relieving in putting some context and explanation for some of the things I had never been able to articulate.

While I am quite certain I have AS (not just for one or two reasons - but it just fits so perfectly across the board), I'm considering the merits of pursuing a diagnosis. Given that I am an adult who is pretty set in his ways, I'm not really interested in formal treatment. However, I would be interested in some outside validation, putting a name to all of this, so I can better understand myself.

So why not just do it? Well, I'm a poor graduate student who lives on a tight budget with crappy student health insurance. I'm worried that a psychological consultation/testing might be prohibitively expensive. Does anyone have any experience with how much this might cost to see a qualified professional who can perform a diagnosis?

If I did decide to pursue it, what's the best way to go about doing that as an adult? I've done a lot of Google searches in my area, and most of the people I see who are specialized in autism/AS are focused primarily on children. I've been putting off calling places and asking because I abhor talking on the phone and avoid it whenever possible.

More importantly, does it seem like this is worthwhile? I mean, I'm very confident that I have it - it just fits so consistently and explains so much of my life. Would a psychologist's validation really change anything? Practically, I doubt it, but in terms of my own self understanding, maybe. But, based on that alone, I can't seem to justify spending money that I could otherwise use to pay debt.

Any thoughts?

Without a diagnosis you should read some books, read this site and consider non-verbal communication more, eye contact and social skills. With a diagnosis the same. Get the point? Your actions might be the same with or without a diagnosis.

With the more insight and knowledge you might not be as set in your ways as you think.

Exactly what tuffet said

With a proper psych eval, you may be eligible for benefits and services that can help you.

For instance, I get free health insurance Medicare/State of Oregon Plan as back-up. I get a caseworker. I get travel-training on the bus. I get a brokerage to help me manage parts of my life. I'm eligible for Section 8 housing. I get discounts on my power bill. I get professionals who understand my condition and that are experts in it. I get a support group that can relate to me. I get social activities with the support group. I get a free social skills class.