Maybe I'm an aspie...

[Skyharbor89]

Hi everyone,

Im here looking for some advice and maybe some answers. Im trying to figure out how to be properly evaluated as an adult and if its worth doing so.

I dont exactly getalong with most people nore can I relate with them. From what ive read about Aspergers it seems to describe me.

 

[Nitro]

 

[ksheehan88]

Welcome

Firstly where do you live? Its different in different countries

 

[Skyharbor89]

Michigan, U.S.A

 

[ksheehan88]

Ok, I can't help there as I am in the UK, but there are tons here from the US who could help guide you I;m sure

 

[JackSkellington]

I would suggest looking for local resources that will help you. A doctor in your area can likely diagnosis you. There is online tests as well, but not sure how accurate those are.

 

[Judge]

Welcome to AC. A good place for you to learn many of the possible traits and behaviors of ASD/ Aspergers and compare them to your own. To interact with us and determine the difference between being indifferent and introverted, as opposed to possibly being on the spectrum of autism. It never fails to amaze me how some come here not even sure why, only to discover that in fact they are on the spectrum of autism as well. It's a "journey" of sorts. But it might lead you to a better place than you were before.

Taking a number of online tests may give you a better idea of how close or far away you may be from autism, though it's important to understand that they are not any kind of official diagnostic tool. But they may establish a "benchmark" for your perceived traits and behaviors.

Otherwise it's a matter of seeking a formal diagnosis with the proper medical professional to achieve some sense of validation. Though other considerations one must deal with are the potential consequences of having a formal diagnosis as a matter of record. Then again if you seek government entitlements like social security, etc., a formal diagnosis is a must. You'll also find that many of us are self-diagnosed. Though it seems virtually everyone who suspected their own autism appear to go on to confirm it through such a formal diagnosis.

In the meantime you can read about so many peoples' experiences here, interact with us and perhaps take some of the standard tests just to get a feel of where you might stand in all of this. There are many more, but here are just a few basic ones:

Baron-Cohen Standard Autism Quotient Test: The AQ-test; The Autism Spectrum Quotient
Variations of the AQ Test: Aspergers Adult AQ Test Quiz Online: Autism Spectrum Quotient
Ritvo Autism Aspergers Diagnostic Scale Test: The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R)
Short Autism Screening Test: Short Autism Screening Test | Psych Central

 

[tree]

 

[Southern Discomfort]

I don't think it works like this in the States but here in Britain we see our GP as they're the gatekeepers for other doctors and specialists in most cases. I don't know if you could at least get pointed in the right direction if you did go to see your family doctor. That is if someone here can't or hasn't already pointed you in the correct direction.

If you go to a doctor, remember that autism is a developmental condition; they are more interested in your years growing up if they're going to diagnoses you or refer you. That being said problems you find hard to live with now are also valuable. But any school or doctor's reports from your childhood which might hint of autism would be useful. Things like not interacting with peers properly, being "disruptive" or emotional problems are good indicators amongst lots of others. I made a thread about things listed by others whilst at school. Or failing that someone like your mother or father or siblings (if they're supporting of this) might be able to advocate for you as they've observed you during those years.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Peatsmoke]

I dont exactly getalong with most people nore can I relate with them.

Welcome to the club... And welcome to AC!! I hope you find some answers here.

 

[xudo]

Welcome

 

[Katleya]

Welcome!
I really like your user name. Reminds me of a good time in a remote place.

 

[Hopeless_Aspie_Guy]

From what ive read about Aspergers it seems to describe me.

I'm so sorry ......we each were all glad when our peculiar behavior/traits had a name and the doctor could tell us "I have great news, you're not crazy, you're autistic". But each country has its own system for diagnosing people and a means for a referral.

 

[NeoPhile]

Welcome to Aspies Central! We're here for support, and this is the most caring autism blog I know of! We're all friends here!
As far as how to be evaluated, only a psychologist or a neurologist can do that. If you think you might have aspergers, talk with a psychiatrist or a neurologist. In the meantime, you're more than welcome here.

 

[Gritches]

Hi Skyharbor89

When/if you're pretty confident that you have AS, the first thing to do is get in with your regular psychiatrist. If you can convince them you might have AS, they'll give you a referral to see an autism specialist. The specialists typically aren't listed anywhere and often can only be seen with a referral, so making your case to your regular psych (who probably doesn't have the intimate knowledge of AS that a specialist would) is key. The specialist will probably be in the nearest major city, probably Detroit or Lansing in Michigan, so your ability to make that trip is also a factor to be mindful of.

Another preparation to make for the appointment with the specialist is to do everything in your power to get a parent/guardian/whoever-watched-you-grow-up to come with you. A good specialist will be more interested in your childhood than anything. That's what this person is for - because nobody can really remember "what they were like" as a kid. If that's not possible, don't fret, a good specialist can still make the right determination if it's just you.

So it's not all that difficult, really, and the advantage of getting a formal diagnosis from a specialist is certainty; there's no "maybe" or "probably" or "I think" about it. Please excuse my psychology, but that certainty of what makes you yourself is critical to forming a stable sense of identity, which is a not-uncommon issue we face.