Autism/ aspergers

[olibeansmummy]

Hello, I've been certain for a long time that I have autism/ aspergers. However, I've come this far, I have a job, house, husband and son. Is there any point seeking a diagnosis? It's not like there's medication to help or anything and I obviously don't need support at school etc.

Depends on whether it's enough for you to think you possibly/probably have aspergers, or whether you feel a formal diagnosis would give you more peace of mind, or whether you might want to ask work etc to make reasonable adjustments. Practically it may be v difficult indeed to get an NHS diagnosis, depending on where you live etc.

I have been wondering this too. I am completely certain that I have autism/aspergers, and I have known this for about a year, but I'm not sure how practical it would be to get a diagnosis or if there is any point at this stage. I'm even a bit worried about having to declare it as a disability which might affect my job as a childminder.

My main reason for wanting a diagnosis would be to 'prove' to my sisters and parents that I am a capable, intelligent woman who has coped well with life despite the difficulties (instead of the feckless fool with no social skills that they currently think I am). I suppose I want to feel vindicated in some way. That is probably a bad reason... my relationship with my family is probably beyond fixing anyway and I have been happier since I accepted that a few years ago. I now have a husband and a family of my own, and some good friends who do accept me for who I am.

I think that I am leaning towards not bothering with a formal diagnosis. Good luck with whatever you decide.

i'd like a diagnosis to prove to my employers that i'm not aloof and unfriendly i just have a disability.

i looked into it, and the cost would have been £1400 plus travel/accommodation. and the specialist might not have agreed with my self-diagnosis! so, something for when i win on the lottery, i think.

Hiya, sorry for not replying for ages. I think a diagnosis would just help me to explain my symptoms ( mainly social and sensory). I don't really need help at work as I work with autistic kids ironically ( a kindred spirit?) so issues that effect me often affect them so I can take measures to avoid them and we stick to our routine etc. Like others say I just with I could say I'm not just weird, I want to be friends but I don't know how :(

I'm not convinced that a diagnosis would be especially helpful particularly if it is very expensive. I think the autistic spectrum is so broad and continuous that it is impossible to make a firm line to divide Aspies from NTs. If you have some of the signs of Aspergers then I think it would be more useful to investigate the ways to resolve them so that you can improve your relationships. For example if your partner knows that you need to stick to a routine or you will become upset, he can make every effort to keep to that routine. If you find it difficult to work out your partner's emotions then you can let him know that he has to tell you explicitly what is wrong and how he wants you to deal with it. For example he may need to say, 'I'm not feeling well, I think I have a cold coming on and I need to go to bed, please can you look after the kids' because you may not be able to interpret the signs he is giving out and work out how to react.

Have a look on the National Autistic Society site ( Google it). They have a whole section on adult diagnosis. Depending on where you live I gather, you can be diagnosed on the NHS. I live in London, no problem here and I have a foster son living in Leatherhead and he got a dx aged 30+. Personally I think a dx is important as it clarifies so many things and takes away guilt for past "failures", when you can realise that you could have succeeded if you had had your dx earlier and been able to access the right support. Plus, if you are already doing so brilliantly with your life, work family etc., then you are an inspiration to people struggling along.. believe me we need inspiration!!