What are the first steps to a (late) diagnosis?

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Katinthehat
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Joined: 13 Jun 2018
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Location: Germany

13 Jun 2018, 9:26 am

hello everyone,

I'm completely new here. I joined because I'm hoping to get advice on what to do, ie where to go etc. here's my story:

My son is 20 years old and I'm pretty sure he has Aspergers or is on the Autism spectrum. You may be thinking 'it's a bit late to be noticing 'now', and yes, it is late, but I'm not just noticing now. The thing is, my son also has (had) a growth hormone deficiency which meant he had to inject a growth hormone every day throughout his childhood until he was 17. I knew his development was 'different' to the other kids, he had speech therapy, occupational therapy, had to repeat his 4th year at school, not because he wasn't clever enough, but because he wasn't 'maturely' ready (due to his lack of social skills) etc..etc.. The point is, every time I mentioned it to the doctor, that I was concerned about his development and/or his behavior, I was always told it's due to the growth hormone deficiency and that it will work itself out. He is now 20 years old and nothing has worked itself out, he is now in the adult world and struggling with an apprenticeship. We want to get him tested for Aspergers/Autism. Where is the best place to start?? At a general doctor and then get a referral? Or do we go straight to a specialist? I'm worried that it won't be taken seriously because he's 20 years old. Has anybody else had a late diagnosis?? I'd love to hear from you.
Here are a few things that suggest (imo) that my son has Aspergers/Autism. What do you think?

he has enormous problems with social communication or interactions, avoids it as much as it is possible.
he doesn't read emotions very well and has problems processing his own emotions
i would say his auditory processing, on a scale of 1 to 10, is between a 4 -5
he seems to live in a bubble..this one is hard for me to explain.
etc etc etc.. there's more, but this just as a general idea

I would be really grateful for some advice

thanks in advance



StarThrower
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13 Jun 2018, 11:33 am

From what you have said about him , it sounds like your son should be evaluated . The first place I would start is online testing then if it still seems like he needs a formal diagnosis , I would seek a psychologist that specialized in Autism . Your GP may not be up to speed on a diagnosis and mistake it for something else .



ASPartOfMe
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Joined: 25 Aug 2013
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13 Jun 2018, 11:39 am

StarThrower wrote:
From what you have said about him , it sounds like your son should be evaluated . The first place I would start is online testing then if it still seems like he needs a formal diagnosis , I would seek a psychologist that specialized in Autism . Your GP may not be up to speed on a diagnosis and mistake it for something else .


I agree with the above advice.


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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity

“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman


Katinthehat
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Joined: 13 Jun 2018
Gender: Female
Posts: 2
Location: Germany

13 Jun 2018, 2:42 pm

an online test is a good start. thank you :) much appreciated, :)