My doc issued a diagnosis today

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So I've been working with a local autism psychologist about my concerns. I'm 42 now, never been evaluated but have loosely identified with ASD for a couple years.

Today he made it official. I was given an ASD diagnosis with comorbidity of ADHD (he said many people with epilepsy also have this).

I don't know.. just wanted to share here.

It's good to have it validated/confirmed, at least. And he took you seriously.

Welcome to the dark side. Good job on getting the diagnosis, by the way.

Validation is good. I dont know why, but for them to say you belong in this box seems to right the world again after many years of struggle.
congrats,

Jojo

Yeah, I have AS, ADHD, and epilepsy. The diagnosis helps to explain a lot.

~Kate

Yeah, it does explain a lot of my behavior growing up, and today. This is just such an important day.. I wish just knowing would make everything better.

So where to from here? What do I do next? Tell boss? Are there medications I need to look at? Anything I need to work on in therapy? I won't see my doc again for a few weeks.

I don't think there are medications to help Aspergers. Though people do take medications to help comorbidities (ie. ADHD, depression, anxiety are common examples). Does having Aspergers affect your job performance? If not, I see no reason to tell your boss. There are a lot of stereotypes out there about ASDs, so you need to be careful who you are telling and for what reasons. Not that you need to hide it or be ashamed of it if asked, but I would not reveal it at work unless you feel the need to.

The only reason why I would mention it is because I was given poor scores on intrapersonal skills on the last two performance reviews. The boss said it was because I sometimes "implode" (ie shut down) and in his opinion don't handle anxiety well, and am "rough around the edges".

Wouldn't it be useful for him to see that there is a neurological reason why (with the important caveat that the diagnosis does not give me free reign to say/do whatever I want).

Congratulations, camelia!
Where on the Spectrum did your Dr. put you, just out of curiousity. You didn't mention it, but I thought I'd ask.
I was diagnosed Asperger Syndrome/High- Functioning Autism, myself.
I didn't join Wrong Planet until I got my diagnosis; and it took me roughly a month to accept it when I was given it.
Several people I know believe I have Autism- but then again, several don't seem to believe, either.
Oh, well!

_________________
An Asperger's man who has Autism Spectrum Disorder level 1- mild, with a sprinkling of Synesthesia.

In your case, maybe it would be beneficial to discuss this with your boss.

Just looked up that drug--says it can cause excessive weight gain. I'd rather have the irritability--can't put on any more weight. That is too bad!

I feel like its both appropriate and inappropriate to say congrats.

But well, congrats for getting the diagnosis, it really can mean a lot .

My diagnosis was both a relief and a cause for mourning.

I felt relief in finally knowing why I am this way.

I felt mourning because I could finally lay to rest any hope of being "normal".

Either way, I'm much better off for it.

Welcome to the community.