Diagnosis shopping vs. getting a second opinion

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I notice that a lot of people go to another specialist when someone tells them they don't think they're autistic. I can understand this if that person gives them bad reasons or they offer no good explanations for their behavior, but how about people who to from specialist to specialist until they hear what they want?

I've noticed this too many times on WP. Personally I don't think there are many other conditions where the patient shows up and want a certain kind of diagnosis. Surely most people show up in psychiatrists and psychologists offices with a problems, they can't sleep, they are depressed, their marriage is breaking up, their kids don't listen to them, they are anxious or depressed or tired all the time. Maybe they drink too much or are doing drugs they can't stop using, they can't stop washing their hands or worrying about their appearance, they feel scared about germs or their neighbors, or some racial nonsense, and parents may show up with their babies that won't make eye contact, or isn't talking at two... but I figure only high functioning autistics, and Aspies show up wanting only to talk about a condition they think they have... and only wanting a "official" confirmation.

When I was seeking a psychological evaluation, I wrote the Psychologist:

I wasn’t necessarily looking for an Aspergers diagnosis (this was at the time of DSM-IV). I was looking for understanding.

Interestingly, I am now in therapy with a different Psychologist whose expertise is in classic autism (she works with a lot of Autistic children). My first goal was to get a second opinion on the diagnosis.

Why? Well, I figure that people get second opinions all the time when seeking medical advice. So, why not here.

Doing this has been helpful to me. As it gives me the opportunity to discuss/explore events in my life. Which is helping provide that understanding I am looking for.

Doubt that happens much, though not every doc is a specialist in everything.