Emotional support (Seeking diagnosis in my city)

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Hello, my name is Joey and I am 21 and use they/them pronouns. I have only begun research on autism and my brain a few months ago, but I feel like I might finally have answers to all the questions and pain i've been holding onto silently since kindergarten. I have finally concluded my research phase and want to seek a clinical diagnosis. I have a file i've compiled on myself to bring in but I live in the midwest and I am having a horrible time trying to find resources that will not bankrupt me. I just feel like i'm drowning. I know I do not need a formal diagnosis to begin implementing living practices that will help my day to day but I feel like whenever I try to talk to anyone about it they look at me with such judgement like I have no idea what i'm talking about or I am just trying to make excuses for myself when I complain about certain parts of society that cause me so much distress. I just feel like I am so close to validation that I as i'm starting to come upon all these roadblocks I feel so much frustration, not just for me now but for all the times I requested help or tried to verbalize my pain in the past and was not listened to. I am happy to hear any thoughts. <3

Welcome to WP Joey,
I hope we can help.

its a lot to sort when we first see how autism may have been working "behind the scenes". We have a whole new way to look at the past and see ourselves. The longer we have lived, the more there is to sort. Do keep looking at "everything" and learning about autism and all the ways we experience life differently. Not one of us will be the same. Do your best self care and be patient and forgiving with yourself as you adjust to this new view of almost everything. I learned of my autism very late in life, but it changed everything for the better as I began to understand "what happened" all those miserable years before. you are not alone here, most members will identify and understand. Cheering you on.

Reading Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price helped me start the journey. I started out wanting a diagnosis, but I currently do not have insurance, so I'm in the same situation as you. Reading this book has helped me to gain exactly what you're looking for, which is a better understanding of my autism and better language to use to tell others about my autism.

Hi Joey,

I hear you, and I’m really sorry you're feeling this way. It’s so frustrating when you’re on the verge of validation but face barriers like cost and judgment from others. You've put in so much work already, and that’s something to be proud of!

In terms of finding affordable resources, local autism support groups or sliding-scale clinics could be worth looking into. Sometimes universities with psych programs offer discounted diagnostic services too.

It's completely valid to want an official diagnosis, but remember—you know yourself best, and you don’t need others' approval to start living in ways that help you thrive. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here if you need support.

Take care!

Thank you everyone for your kind words and recommendations <3 I really do appreciate it.

With or without a formal diagnosis, I hope you find the knowledge you've gained to be useful.

And keep coming back to WP.

To get a diagnosis you need a psychologist who works with Autism and takes patients your age. THEY will know if they can do a diagnosis. Here is a resource for finding psychologists in your area:

https://www.findapsychologist.org/

Be forewarned, however, that I could not find any whose listing or business web page said they did Adult Autism Assessments. My suspicion is that those assessments are not very common so they don't waste space on their web pages saying they do them. You'll probably have to call a practice to ask if they do Adult Autism Assessments. And the person who answers the phone might not know! When I called a nearby practice the person who answered the phone did not know if they did Adult Autism Assessments, but suspected they did not. Fortunately they checked...that practice did my assessment.

Before you make any appointments, however, consider that you might be able to get your medical insurance (if you have some) to cover at least part of the cost of the assessment. I started by calling my insurance company and they immediately wanted to help. Unfortunately, I think Adult Autism Assessments are infrequent enough that they did not know what they were talking about! They were right about needing a psychologist who worked with Autism; they were wrong about that psychologist having to have ABA credentials. Just call practices and find one that works with Autism and with patients your age.

If your insurance will cover some of the cost then find out what their rules are and follow them. I got off track when the info they gave me on the phone was wrong. By the time I got that straightened out I got careless and picked an out-of-network provider. I don't know if that cost me some money but I suspect it did.

Even with an out-of-network provider my insurance covered about half the cost of the assessment.

P.S. The assessment was actually kind of fun. And parts were kind of funny...normally they assess kids! (I think the result I got was fine, but parts of the process were clearly designed for young kids.)

Good luck!

Welcome and Sweet Pea hugs

https://autismnebraska.org/screening-di ... ification/ start with local autism associations, even ones for kids or parenting. Lots of parents have found diagnosis. Tell them you are looking for adult diagnosis and somebody may be able to give you a referral to the profesional they got diagnosed with.

Most states insurance plans allow "psychological exams" to be billed, and autism can be one diagnosis obtained. If your insurance does not accept the doctor you choose, often you can pay the bill and get your usual reimbursement from the insurance. Check to see if they allow this form of outside consultation for special cases.

Many university psych program/ departments will give low cost exams, your major costs are likely to be transportation and overnight stays if you don't live close to such a college/university.

self discovery/self diagnosis is sometimes enough unless you want to ask for accommodations for school, work, or in other situations, or are applying for government disability. It may take a lot of homework and patience, but overall adult diagnosis is becoming more accessible . You might also check to see if your state approves telehealth appointments and if your insurance will cover it. Telehealth can be less expensive because there is no travel or overnight stays involved. Cheering you on, keep on keeping on.