Just got a clinical diagnosis of asperger's, what now?

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Now than I am classified by a trained psychologist as Asperger, what happens?
Will this be of any use in terms of work application, or will it in actual fact be a hindrance. I haven't really done much research about what use a diagnosis has, other than an understanding from people who actually understand what Asperger's is. A rather small group of people as far as I am able to tell, especially in my age group (16).

I was just hoping for some stories on how having a diagnosis has helped you.

I don't really know what I expect people to say. Most people who I have told have reacted with confusion or pity, which is I guess understandable, though the pity really isn't necessary.



Also as a side note, I also did the WAIS-IV and got an overall score of 130. I know this is JUST in the very superior range, and that this is most likely a ridiculous question, seeing as very superior implies superiority (obviously haha). But what sort of score would YOU call this ? "Outstanding," or less than?


Thanks for any input available, (honestly I would be quite surprised if anyone replied this is most likely highly... ramble-y and nonsensical.)

Elle

Well I got fired from a few jobs as a causative effect from symptoms. One of my bosses actually told me if I don't go see the doctor and get on some kind of medication then I would be let go. I never told him about my disorder(s). I did get medication and showed my boss but a few weeks later was let go anyways. In hind-site it would of been nice to have a diagnosis back-then and be upfront with it when applying to jobs so they can make accommodations for me, like they are supposed too. I don't tell my current employer because I foresee no issues with my work environment. It is very relaxed and non-stressful, perfect for someone on the autistic spectrum like myself. It can be tough to decide wether to tell an employer.

So it depends on the situation and if you think you will run into issues on the job due to autism.

A diagnosis is primarily useful in getting the sort of help that will let you deal with your AS traits. You may be able to get a counselor, take a social skills class, or get a coach to help you with school or work. You are probably eligible for services in a vocational rehabilitation center, where disabled people may receive help with finding a job or getting job training. For the most part, you just use the diagnosis as evidence of why you need help with one thing or the other, so that you can do things the way that works best for you, and contribute to the rest of the world.

A score of 130 means you are in the top three percent or so of test-takers. That's like getting the top score in your homeroom class, or perhaps the second highest score if you've got a big class. Most likely you are academically talented. However, as an autistic person, you may have some gaps and jumps in your sub-scores, indicative of areas of particular strengths or weaknesses. See if you can get access to those sub-scores, and see if there are any tests where you did particularly well or particularly poorly. Knowing about your strengths and weaknesses is far more useful than just knowing you can probably outperform your classmates on an IQ test. Unfortunately, when learning is so easy for you, it can backfire because you never truly learn to study before things get tough for you. Don't just absorb stuff in the classroom and pass the tests. Push your limits. Keep challenging yourself so that when you hit college and you really have to study hard, you'll already know how.

As far as jobs go, disclosure is your choice (with the exception of jobs like the military or police). Disclosing depends on weather or not you need any kind of accommodations. You have a bit of time before you need to worry about that.

Regarding what the diagnosis and discovery/confirmation of strong mental abilities may mean for you (optimistic guess and pseudo advice):

By having a new shiny label (diagnosis) you know a name for the source of some of your challenges and you know what your weaknesses are. By being more mindful of this, you can probably start cutting yourself some slack when oopses happen related to some of the challenges that are part of having AS. You can also get involved in a social group for people with AS, and get some practice with social skills in an understanding environment. My experience with aspie social groups is that it's the only social scenario where none of the participants are fighting some kind of ego war. The other aspies I've met are pretty ego free, honest, and good people to know (after an extended period of time to get to know them... you know... we tend to be a bit on the shy side).

By knowing you have strong mental abilities, you can (ideally) start to recognize some of your strength, and start playing to them. Was there a big Verbal IQ (VIQ) verse Performance IQ (PIQ) difference? If so, in what direction? If VIQ was higher, maybe you'd be well suited for careers that require metric tons of memorized information. If PI was stronger, then you may do well in careers that retire strong problem solving ability. I'm speaking VERY generally, but hopefully it's some type of a starting point. The general knowledge that you have significant potential is more important than the number or statistical ranking of the number. There are people with insanely high IQs that never really get anything out of it. The mark of genius is in what someone creates. Having the focus of an aspie interest and a good set of mental tools can create some really cool things, but lingering on a number and not applying your abilities will render them meaningless. Kind of like having the most awesome ... something (lets go with hovercraft for my own sake) that you never ride and nobody else sees.

So that's what came to mind when I read your post and questions. I hope it's helpful for what you're at.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

j0sh