Is it worth finding out

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Hello all.

I've suspected for some time that I have Aspergers... my behavior when I was a child is very much in keeping with the description though as an adult I've learned coping and avoidance mechanisms which carry me through social situations. I'm not perfect obviously... I still can't 'read' people but at a concious level I've learned what to look for to judge peoples reactions and what behaviors are expected.

The question is... is it worth seeking a professional diagnosis? Its not clear to me what benefit I could get from a diagnosis... and I can't see it benefitting my situation either at work or with my family if they knew (and I can see having a diagnosis of mental illness on my medical records shutting more doors than opening them).

What is the experience of those who have been 'checked out'? Did it help them? Open doors? Close them? If you can 'walk the walk' (however inexpertly and exhausting it can be) is that enough?

-Anax-

A diagnoses is good to have, in case you need to ask for accommodation in a workplace, educational or living situation. Some people just need the validation of a diagnoses.

The cost/benefit analysis can only be done for the short term. There are too many variables, many presumably unknown, for the long-term.

I went through the costs, and my family reacted in different ways: rejecting the diagnosis, accepting the diagnosis, ignoring the diagnosis. Friends were more willing to accept the diagnosis, but some still resist it at times.

No issue with employers. I'm self-employed; I've never been able to get a proper job.

There may also be legal issues involved, depending on what your AS comes with, and what your state reporting requirements are. For instance, if you have seizures with your AS, your doc may be required to report that to the state motor vehicle department (DMV, DOL, etc.), which could result in your license being suspended for 3, 6, or 12 months. Reinstatement usually requires a "seizure-free period" (length varies by state) and certification by a doc.

The diagnosis was worthwhile for me, even if it caused some problems as well.

My seeking of a diagnoses had more to do with validation. But it came in handy when I had to ask for accommodation in an apartment building for elderly and disabled. Reactions vary, when AS is disclosed. I have had people accuse me of using it for an excuse, or direct me to websites with reputed "cures." I have had to mention it to clueless health care givers, when asking to have my therapy in a private room instead of in the middle of a very active, noisy gym.