Getting a formal diag. of Apergers as an adult in Australia

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Can someone please provide some information for the process of obtaining a formal diagnosis of Aspergers as an adult, in the Australian context?

Can one simply approach a doctor, ask about the possibility and for referral for appropriate tests?

I am 29 now, but remember as a child (very briefly) having special support for "coordination problems", and I always had trouble making friends and "standing up for myself".

Parents and teachers were little help (hope there's a special place in hell for several of them), and seemed for the most part to find my lack of coordination and inability to articulate and make friends amusing, and were more concerned with their own frustration and workload than the help I needed.

As an adult, I have learned to concentrate on my own work and study, and not to worry so much about what others are doing or thinking about me, so I don't know how effectual any treatment would be.

It would be good however to know for certain, and being a certified "Aspie" would give me a better grounding in who I am and that I'm part of a supportive community.

I have no experience with diagnosis, but I do know that you could contact your state's autism association. Here's a website that has phone numbers, addresses, websites, etc.

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/ ... tions.html

Good luck!

You can ring directly to a psychologist that specialises in adult diagnoses of Asperger's and book with them. It is expensive ($500+) and you can be on a long waiting list. This kind of diagnosis is not covered under Medicare so you will need to pay for it yourself most likely. You can go to a normal psychologist but I would not recommend it as they will not know about adult Asperger's.

To be quite honest, I do not see the value in adult diagnosis now "just for the confirmation", unless there is a specific problem that is affecting you very negatively and you need help dealing with that. If you feel you have AS and are functioning relatively well, then you do not need some random doctor to confirm this for you.

Last edited by Saspie on 05 Sep 2009, 6:11 am, edited 1 time in total.

My Mother and Son were diagnosed by Psychologists not Psychiatrists. They had 4 two hour sessions of testing before the diagnosis was given. I don't see how a psychiatrist is going to be much help. I haven't heard of them doing the neuropsych testing, just handing out drugs. Personally I would rather stay away from drugs if possible

I got the information on who to go to from the Aspergers awareness society in Blackburn in Melbourne. I don't know where abouts you are in Oz but if you are in Melbourne feel free to PM me and I can give you details of the clinic if you want

Julie, actually I meant to say psychologists I saw a psychologist myself (never been to a psychiatrist). Off to edit my previous post.