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mazham
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01 Dec 2016, 8:33 pm

So as a child I was counselled extensively for Aspergers, I'm talking once, twice a week and student social workers constantly wandering into my class to stand over my shoulder. The counsellor who dealt with me the most advised my parents that my condition seemed to be in a mild form and would probably improve with age, so entering me as an aspie officially and being treated assigned from casual counselling might actually inhibit my progress, and to just let me "age out of it". I believe agreeing with her was the biggest mistake my parents have ever made as parents. And now in university I find myself struggling in the same ways I struggled in elementary school, but without the support. We moved across the province when I was I grade 7 and my parents chose not to continue counselling and not to inform the social workers at the school in fear of me being further ostracized, so I now have no official record of it to work with.

Socially, I suppose I've improved greatly, but academically and professionally is where I lack. To this day o do great if I'm able to do an assignment or study for a test, but with written projects especially I still find my self almost physically unable to start, and concentrating/ doing it feels almost unnatural or painful, like I'm a spring being bent out of place is the best way to put it. I've developed depression on top of everything else, missing a week of class at a time due to my combination of academic and social problems, and sometimes feel almost like I'll die if I go to class or stay in the building when I feel crowded. But while it's simpler to get help for depression as an adult, it's only a symptom. I don't believe I can fully treat it without treating my ASD.

So now I ask you, how do I get a diagnosis as an adult in BC/ Canada without spending a fortune?

PS I have taken this issue to the campus counsellors and their combined replies have basically been wow that sounds legit and serious but you're an adult so nothing I can do for you, guess you're SOL



starkid
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02 Dec 2016, 9:30 pm

Don't you have a childhood diagnosis you can use? Actually, the way you've described your problems doesn't seem ASD-related to me.



Noca
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02 Dec 2016, 10:59 pm

starkid wrote:
Don't you have a childhood diagnosis you can use? Actually, the way you've described your problems doesn't seem ASD-related to me.


Doctors only hold onto files for like 10 years here as mandated by law, in BC I am sure it is a similar time frame if not the same. The OP needs an official record of her Asperger's diagnosis to get accommodations.

OP i would suggest looking on psychologytoday.com website for psychologists who assess adults for autism. I would call around to many psychologists asking if either they specialize in that area or if they know someone who does.

I was able to find a private autism clinic which did the assessment for me for 4 appointments of $145 each for a formal diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome.



starkid
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02 Dec 2016, 11:36 pm

Noca wrote:
OP i would suggest looking on psychologytoday.com website for psychologists who assess adults for autism. I would call around to many psychologists asking if either they specialize in that area or if they know someone who does.


If this diagnosis is solely or mainly for school, I suggest not looking specifically for an autism assessment. The OP has the best chance of getting education-specific assistance by seeking a diagnosis that is specifically related to the educational struggles. Even if the OP has autism, an autism diagnosis may not address the educational struggles and may not convince the school to provide accommodations.