To ask what the difference is between simply having lots of traits of Aspergers

[myparrotcantalk]

and actually having it?

I'm so confused right now. I do have a lot of traits of Asperger's but I'm still not sure if I have it. There are just some things that just don't "fit". But if I am on the spectrum it would certainly explain a lot.

Is it possible to have a lot of the traits but not actually have Aspergers? I also kind of doubt I have it sometimes because I'm not sure if it's possible to have gone so long without being noticed.

If I wanted to get a diagnosis how would I go about it? GP I assume?

Yes me too on ADD, without the "H" :)

The names, which some professionals are now doing away with are:

• classic or Kanner's autism, which is what people generally think of when they hear 'autism'

• high functioning autism, which doesn't mean what a lot of people think it means. It has nothing to do with the level of impairment. 'High functioning' only means a normal or above IQ.

• Asperger's syndrome, which is high functioning autism but with normal language development.

• PDD-NOS, which is where the criteria are met but gaps in development history make it impossible to decide which of the above is correct.

These are all being done away with as even the professions can really tell the difference. EG someone gets the classic label because their IQ is officially below 70, but how can they really tell that if the person's condition seriously affects their ability to communicate. There have been a few cases now of people finding a way to communicate suddenly and everything assumed about their abilities is completely wrong.

That makes a lot of sense LiverpoolLou - it would also explain why (given my diagnosis is pretty recent) the specialist wasn't remotely bothered about speaking to a parent as that, I think, was what normally led to the differentiation with Aspergers/Autism and PDD-NOS (I was worried I'd get a PDD-NOS diagnosis when I was researching as I knew getting my mum involved wasn't an option but thought it would be a very unhelpful "label" as it would be understood even less than Asperger's or Autism

does anybody know how you would go about getting a private referral. I've long considered that I probably am somewhere on ADHD (although more like ADD) and generally tick all the boxes. However, I do hold down a fairly decent job and manage just although not as high up the career ladder as I would have liked, so I wouldn't think i would get NHS funding nor would I think it was fair to use to use NHS funding to investigate it.

However, for my interest/sanity/possibly to help my relationship with DH, it would be really good to get some answers and I would be willing to pay.

So, does anybody know how you go about getting a private assessment? I did ring one centre but they said that you need to go through your GP.

No in UK, but here's a few good books in the mean time whathaveiforgottentoday

"The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps"

You Mean I'm not Crazy, Stupid, or Lazy?

Thank you and I'll have a look at the book.

I think part of my reluctance to go via the GP is that I wouldn't want to go on medication nor do I think I need CBT, but for my own self worth I would like know and I think I would help my husband understand who I am.

Also, partly i'm interested as my eldest daughter has very similar traits and I do think I received a diagnosis then I would have more of a case to help her but most of all I would just like to know.

I went through GP who made the private referral, it was the only way the place I used would do it (referral was held up and they wouldn't schedule me until it came through)

I disagree that there is no point in getting assessed if you don't need meds/cbt - I found just knowing for definite hugely valuable. It's also helped a lot in my marriage as it explains certain "quirks" that have always driven my DH crazy. It also gives a degree of protection in the workplace and makes it easier to ask for adjustments which may benefit you.

My GP has just referred me for an assessment on the NHS. I had mentioned it to another GP and he said there was no point as a diagnosis wouldn't change anything. I brought it up with a different GP and although she wasn't sure how to go about it, she said she'd find out. I've just had a letter from her saying that I've been referred (and telling me where).

There is a very interesting TED talk on this subject if anyone has a spare ten minutes or so

Many authorities are not doing away with the categories. The Americans tend to use DSM more than we do. Added to which there is a large and fairly active Aspie community who do not want the boundaries moved.

As for a GP saying that there is no point in seeking a diagnosis as an Adult, that is your choice to make, not his. Tell him to sod off and demand a referral.

My son was diagnosed with traits of Aspergers but not Aspergers. I think this is entirely correct. This was at age 7 and now age 11 I see him getting more empathetic and some of his problems were probably being behind for his age.

For you as an adult does it matter if you get a diagnosis or is it more about understanding how to live with the traits you do have.

A lady who worked for me went for counselling for depression and they worked out together she had Aspergers (she was 30 already). She told me this and it helped a lot for me to understand her as a manager. The counselling helped her to deal with life as the person she was.