Confirmation from psychologist today, like I needed one...

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I've been in the self-diagnosed Aspie crowd for a couple of years here... and just in the last few weeks FINALLY managed to actually see a Psychologist regarding AS and other social/emotional issues.

After two meetings, without any formal assessments, he told me today flat-out that I've definitely got "different wiring" and that I "process things differently than most other people". He thinks that I'm probably somewhere on the mild end of the spectrum, as I've managed modest success in life (have a job, can drive, live independently, etc.).

He stated, (and I pretty much agree) that going through the process of a diagnosis is really not of much use at this point and would not change anything. We agree that the AS issues are there, so what is the point in identifying them any further? There is no one to convince of my status, and I would not receive assistance of any kind with a diagnosis.

This is a positive thing for me, to know that I have not been totally off-base in my thinking. It helps me turn a corner and go from the desperate "searching for answers" phase, to a more coordinated and progressive "work with the cards I've been dealt" phase.

Just thought I'd share

finally you don't have to admit to people you're self dx'ed, good, I hated being self dx'ed - it made me feel really uncertain of myself

funny how we need a professional we barely know to confirm something so personal for us to feel sure of ourselves.

I'm curious, did he specify what things he saw that indicated that you process things differently?

My diagnostic experience was almost identical to yours. The psychologist who diagnosed me said I was mild/borderline because at my age (35 at the time) I had learned to cope and adapt fairly well. She said if I had been diagnosed at a younger age I might have tested more strongly.

The most interesting thing about my diagnostic experience was that she said when she first met me at the office her immediate first impression was that I had AS, but we went through the process to make sure.

BTW, congrats on the confirmation.

I had the same sort of diagnosis the first time around. I met with a psychologist for 45 minutes (thinking I was getting a full assessment, since I paid for one--or so I thought). After that she said she didn't need to do any further work, she knew I had Aspergers. That was enough for me. I actually do need assistance though, so I was quite disappointed that I had just paid her 500$ for something that was not only wrong, but incomplete. I ended up paying a lot more for the full assessment somewhere else, had the Aspergers diagnosis revoked, and will hopefully now finally be able to move foward.

I knew I was on the spectrum anyway. If I didn't need the assistance, I probably would have been happy with a professional simply agreeing with me that they thought I was on the spectrum. Since I personally need the reports and such though for future assistance, it wasn't good enough for me. I do know how much relief comes though when someone agrees that it isn't all in your head.

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback
It was starting to sink in a bit more today that I can lay a bit of this burden to rest because I now have some certainty about how I fit in with the rest of the world. I can make peace with my shortcomings and just live my life.

As we discussed things, these were the "criteria" that he noted as evident in me. Some of these were explicit; he actually told me he noticed them. Some were implicit; I stated them and he agreed with me.

Sensory issues... overwhelmed by certain lights and sounds.
Confusion and anxiety in social situations that most adults my age should be comfortable with.
Pedantic, monologue manner of speech.
Rigid habits/behaviors/preferences. Confusion and anxiety if routine/construct is disrupted.
Not perceiving or correctly interpreting social cues from others, both verbal and nonverbal.
Obsessiveness about particular topics or activities.
Not recognizing the display of emotion in others. Not knowing how to react properly to certain emotions.
Total lack of friends or close acquaintances.

He emphasized that it truly is "just a difference" and that there's no pathology involved. I shouldn't feel ashamed of who I am.
As he put it, "you experience the world differently than most other human beings... how interesting is that??"
While I agree in principle with this very positive way of stating it, I've got some work to do yet before I feel that much pride in my condition

Last edited by Acacia on 16 Jul 2011, 9:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I haven't been to a shrink, but if I did go, I think I'd probably be told something like that. It doesn't take someone with a degree in psychology to tell me that my brain is wired differently. I mean seriously... duh.

I missed the part where they actually diagnosed you with something.

They didn't. That's the whole point. The Psychologist acknowledged that I definitely show the signs of Autism, and that I am on the mild end of the spectrum somewhere, but pursuing a formal diagnosis isn't really necessary at this point in my life. It wouldn't do anything to help me or change my situation, and based on my current status, it's not like I could get assistance or services with that piece of paper anyhow.

The key here is that a credentialed professional with more experience than the time I've been alive agreed with me and validated my thoughts and feelings about myself and the way I experience the world. It helps me to know that I haven't been "barking up the wrong tree" for years.

My AS specialist psych told me she has lots of self diagnosed aspies see her for an official diagnosis, because they want to make sure its not all in their head.

I would like very much for the opportunity to speak with a professional but the fact is that without insurance, it's not a possibility. I hate being self dx'd but while I was taking the online assessment, I kept remembering specific instances where I had matched the behavior the test was asking about. Also, I scored several standard deviations above normal in 2 different tests. Until I have the money to be professionally diagnosed, I'm reasonably confident that I am an Aspie.

I was formally diagnosed when I was eight but was never told until I was in my mid twenties when I found out on my own.
I just figured that I was broken beyond repair and nobody could possibly understand me.
Mom did not want to label me, but by not doing that, I labeled myself with far worse things.

congrats on your proffessional confirmation...the world makes alot more sense knowing why you do the things you do and you are not alone in your plight.

Jojo