Questions About Diagnosis

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First off, I'm new here, so it's possible this is in the wrong section. (I'm pretty sure I got it right, but it's possible.) If so, sorry!
Also, hello!

Now, for the point of the thread. (And what led me to sign up, for that matter:)
I'm not diagnosed with Aspergers, but I am effectively certain that I have it. Around a year and a half ago I pieced it together, and after discussing it with my mom, (I had just turned 18 at the time,) she confirmed that she had known (Or, rather, believed,) for several years but had decided not to tell me. (A decision I am not glad of, but which I can at least understand.)

The problem is, I feel like a hypocrite for *saying* that I have Aspergers, because I haven't been officially diagnosed. It's as though I'm pretending that there's something wrong with me as a personal excuse for whenever I screw up.

However, I don't know how to get diagnosed, and the prospect in general scares me. I tried simply Googling for some kind of proffessional diagnosis team in the area, but all I got was a confusing list of names for doctors whom I don't know how to approach, or even if I should.
And, at the same time, I'm terrified of trying this because of the worry it'll turn out that no, I don't have Aspergers, and all this time I've been lying to myself and I'm just screwed up for no reason.

So... Yeah. I don't have an exact question, I'm just hoping for helpful words from people who actually know what they're doing.

I can try to help. I'm a sociologist (grad student) who studies working adults on the autism spectrum. I also have a side interest in autistic identity.

You could take the online RAADS-R or the Aspie Quiz. I have my own scores on the RAADS-R test saved for comparison. I am on the extreme end of neurotypical, opposite of autistic. That can help in understanding the scoring. I might go ahead and take the Aspie Quiz myself today so that I can have those scores on hand as well. Those are the two online tests that I like best.

Okay, then I recommend you keep doing what you're doing now- read up on the autism spectrum, read what other autistic people post, talk to them, and just see if this makes sense for you. Sounds like it does. But it's good to get a better sense of "in which ways" are you autistic. For example, do you have sensory issues? Can you read very fast? Are you socially awkward? What about eye contact? All people are different, so you will have strengths and weaknesses in different areas.

Not all people seek a medical diagnosis. I like to compare autism to race and gender. Would you need a doctor to confirm your race or gender? Maybe, but maybe not. Autism is the same way. It might make you feel better to have a doctor confirm what you will come to know, but it might not matter after awhile.

The main reason most people find a medical diagnosis helpful is to be protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). You would be able to get documentation from a doctor that gives you special accommodations in college or at work, should you need them. This seems to be a little more necessary in school than at work, but sometimes people find that they need formal documentation before they are able to get accommodations at work. Typical accommodations might be to have instructions for tasks in writing, to have a quiet place available when you do work, or to ask a person to explain social situations to you (this last is often an informal accommodation that people get from a friend or co-worker).

If you have any other questions, I am happy to try to answer. Other members here will have better answers as to personal experience. We occasionally hit gold here on WP and get a human resources worker or doctor wandering through and they give great replies.

As the above poster points out, the only real benefit of a formal diagnosis is to obtain legal protections/benefits. Otherwise, it's an exercise in time, effort and money to get one...if you find a doctor in your area qualified to diagnose ASD in adults.

Too much cost for my wallet.

I took both of those tests, and they mostly just confirmed what I already knew. (I'd already taken a couple of tests in a similar vein, so this was unsurprising.)

As for 'In what ways':
I'm uncomfortable with most physical contact. A brief hug, high five, or handshake is okay, but anything is very uncomfortable.
I'm also bad at maintaining eye contact, and generally prefer not to.
I also rub my hands together when anxious or nervous.

I *do* tend to get obsessive about specific sets of information and collecting items, but I play lots of RPGs and tabletop board games, so I've at least been able to channel my obsessions towards something 'Normal'. (That, or I'll read through whole series' of books in a couple weeks.)

I can read fairly quickly, but I tend to get distracted easily with books, so I prefer audiobooks.

I'm not as socially awkward as I used to be, but I'm still pretty bad at maintaining a conversation with most people or navigating large groups.

I don't do this so much anymore, (mostly because I don't get hurt as often,) but as a kid I would pick at scabs or loose skin habitually. I still bite my nails and peel loose skin on my fingers sometimes.

I have trouble sleeping or focusing when there is any noise just barely inside my range of hearing.

I usually plan out my day in my head, even though my days almost *never* go how I planned them.


I could go on, but I think that's the major stuff.

Since you are 19 and your mom is supportive insurance should cover an autism evaluation.

If the you are not autistic you need to find that out and find the the real issue. Often finding the truth involves ruling options out. While this step is frustrating it is still progress.

If you feel guilty about saying you are autistic, say you highly suspect you are autistic.

If you are in college they may be able steer you towered a clinition