Should I seek an official diagnosis as an adult?

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Hi Everybody! I have just joined this forum because I seriously think I might have AS. I am 27 years old and a medical resident. All through my school, college and med school years I felt something was different about me: I am not usually interested in things most other people are, I have high sensitivity to sounds and other stimuli, I love patterns and like my life to be planned and structured. In addition, one faculty member I worked with, whose daughter has AS, suggested to me that she thinks I have a problem with social communication and might need therapy.

Nevertheless, I am fairly OK with communicating with colleagues and I think my possible autistic trait does not affect patient care, especially since my specialty does not involve direct patient contact. I think, however, that having an "official" diagnosis might help others understand me better. Is there any other adult on this forum who has "self-diagnosis" issues? I'd love to read your thoughts.

Hey and welcome to WP! I'm about your age - 28, and I'm a biomedical equipment tech. I've dealt with social problems my entire life. I'm like you, looking to see if AS is my issue, but what is apparently stealing the show (as far as being evaluated by psychologists) is my apparent ADHD, which complicates things because they feel everything besides that must be anxiety related (whatever). I can act "normal", for awhile, but in my natural state I'm extremely introverted and prefer to be by myself and stim. Like you, I feel some sort of official DX would help me explain myself to others (those who would listen/care), and would help me understand much of my life and why things have gone the way they have up until now.

I would say if you honestly think you have it, sure, seek a diagnosis but be prepared for them to NOT DX you because you're a medical professional who is so well-functioning. It seems to be a common perception by NT's and unexperienced psychologists to assume autism equals impairment in day-to-day functioning.

You probably don't have it. Your more in the normal NT range.

Welcome Spiridon!

Personally, I don't feel the need to have an official diagnosis, I've read enough info and taken enough tests to be pretty positive that I'm on the spectrum. I've only told a few people who are REALLY close to me, I don't believe I really need to tell anyone else, or need to spend money on some piece of paper to tell them officially officially.

You know this from one post? Something brought him here looking for more info. I don't see NT's lining up to join this message board for no reason.

I have learned the hard hard way never tell anyone you work with you are diagnosed with AS. They will think you are mentally ill and will treat you badly. Promotions will not be given to the crazy guy. Databank entries on you (and there are a lot more than you think) will soon have AS or autism on them.

Gotta say you have a good point too. You know yourself better than anyone.

I was wondering how you know that also?

Many, many people (especially those who work in science and art related fields) have traits like social akwardness, feel isolated due to our preoccupation with specialized work, and have some OCD traits. That doesn't make you AS.

To the OP, I would say that if it's not controlling your life, then don't worry about it. You sound like you're successful in your field and don't mention any negative side effects of your condition.

It only affects my relationships and life outside of work, for the most part. I've been going out with two women, who are NTs probably and it seems like they kinda cooled to me when they realized I was "strange". I also have not started really dating until the age of 24.

Also, I have almost no friends to go out with outside of work.

I am reluctant to seek the diagnosis primarily because of the "label" effect. People might question whether I am qualified to be a doctor. To be honest, sometimes I think I'd rather be an NT waiter than an autistic doctor. Of course, I'm trying to chase these kinds of thoughts away. That's also why I joined this forum, to look for people who can understand.

Welcome to WP!

Did you take the Aspie-quiz? That should give your a fairly accurate idea.

Well I think its possible for depressed and sociallly badly doing nt to look explanation from here. So don't stereotype please.

As for the beginner for this topic. You could have it.

Yowza, I salute you. Just one girl is hard enough to handle half of the time

You can get a diaganosis but it won't effect you so much. If you get diagonist before 18 it helps, A LOT. Which is why my therapist wants me to get diagonist soon. I turn 18 next year.