Those of you who were diagnosed for Autism later in life

[Dirtdigger]

I'm going to try this again and hope someone closer to my age will reply.

Has anyone been diagnosed for Autism in later years between 50-70 for instance and lives in the U.S.A.? If you have did you or family members have to give the psychiatrist a documentation of all of your traits? And at that age were your required to take some sort of test as well?

 

[Beverly]

That, is one of the reasons I never got an official diagnosis, but I am going through that process now. I need the official diagnosis to help validate my efforts in one of my side projects. I've had to do two written tests so far and, give my clinician detailed answers to over 100 questions. We did that in interview format because I am comfortable with being interviewed. She said that would serve in lieu of written documentation and personal history from me.

Next week, she will be interviewing two of my long time band mates and, my long time personal body guard, all with my permission and, their consent of course. I have not had contact with my family since I was 18 so, those people will replace information that might have been gathered form my family had I remained in contact with them.

Written would have sufficed in all cases but, we are all at ease being interviewd and, prefer that to having to write everything out so, that's what my clinician is doing.

The best thing to do is ask your clinician or psychologist what will happen and what information he/she needs from whom then decide what will be the most comfortable way for you to provide that information and, tell him/her what will be easiest for you.

 

[clg114]

I'm going to try this again and hope someone closer to my age will reply.

Has anyone been diagnosed for Autism in later years between 50-70 for instance and lives in the U.S.A.? If you have did you or family members have to give the psychiatrist a documentation of all of your traits? And at that age were your required to take some sort of test as well?

I was diagnosed at age 62 and I live in Idaho, USA. I diagnosed 8 years ago under the DSM-4. I did not have to give the doctor any type documentation, if I would have had that I probably would not have been there. It was his job to make the diagnosis. I was never required to do anything. I sought out the diagnosis on my own and paid for it my self. The reason for the diagnosis was just so I would know if I had Asperger's Syndrome. I was not seeking any kind of benefits and it did not change my life a lot. But it did feel good to know why I am the way that I am and that there are others like me. The diagnosis was Asperger's Syndrome (DSM IV 299.80)

 

[Dirtdigger]

I was diagnosed at age 62 and I live in Idaho, USA. I diagnosed 8 years ago under the DSM-4. I did not have to give the doctor any type documentation, if I would have had that I probably would not have been there. It was his job to make the diagnosis. I was never required to do anything. I sought out the diagnosis on my own and paid for it my self. The reason for the diagnosis was just so I would know if I had Asperger's Syndrome. I was not seeking any kind of benefits and it did not change my life a lot. But it did feel good to know why I am the way that I am and that there are others like me. The diagnosis was Asperger's Syndrome (DSM IV 299.80)

Thanks for your reply. I'm being harassed by a brat across the street and my lawyer told me I will need proof of my diagnosis. But, someone gave me the address of a government agency that I can report that brat and his mother to since I'm a senior citizen with a disorder. I know I have the Autistic Disorder since I started out with severe speech issues that kept me out of school for a year and have always been very clumsy along with all of my other symptoms.

I really don't have a desire to get diagnosed again since I know every detail of my Autism which there are some pretty nasty symptoms. You are right about psychiatrist about "it is the doctor's job". But, most of these psychiatrists know less than we do about our own Disorders. It's going to cost me a lot of money in cab fairs to a city about 35 miles away and I'm just afraid he will have me to come back 3 or 4 times. And I just don't have that kind of money to spend. So maybe I just should cancel this 3 hour appointment.

 

[clg114]

Thanks for your reply. I'm being harassed by a brat across the street and my lawyer told me I will need proof of my diagnosis. But, someone gave me the address of a government agency that I can report that brat and his mother to since I'm a senior citizen with a disorder. I know I have the Autistic Disorder since I started out with severe speech issues that kept me out of school for a year and have always been very clumsy along with all of my other symptoms.

I really don't have a desire to get diagnosed again since I know every detail of my Autism which there are some pretty nasty symptoms. You are right about psychiatrist about "it is the doctor's job". But, most of these psychiatrists know less than we do about our own Disorders. It's going to cost me a lot of money in cab fairs to a city about 35 miles away and I'm just afraid he will have me to come back 3 or 4 times. And I just don't have that kind of money to spend. So maybe I just should cancel this 3 hour appointment.

You are right about some of these doctors knowing less about our disorder than we do. That is why I did some research and found a doctor in Boise with experience with Asperger's. His office was about 35 miles from my house and I had to go four times, but it was worth it. As far as the cost was concerned, it was not as expensive as you might think. I paid $300, but I thought that it would be a lot more. I too am a senior citizen and as such I am old and grumpy. I certainly would not take any harassment from anyone. You do not have to put up with that, autistic or not.

 

[Beverly]

So far my clinician is okay, she knows what books and research papers can tell her. She isn't a "shrink" just a clinician there to make an objective assessment of me. She offers no advice nor counseling. I sought her out for that reason. I have major issues with "shrinks" and, I didn't want that interfering with both my own and the one diagnosing's ability to be objective and clinical about this. I just want us both to stick to the facts and information she requires to make an accurate diagnosis. I don't want or need counseling or advice, medications or any of that.

For me it's a 90 mile drive to see her and, I'll have one or two more visits before getting my official diagnosis but, I need it for my plans, things are in motion and, it will work out better and, present a better image if I have that diagnosis so, I'm doing what I must to in order to be best able to do what I want to do.

 

[Dirtdigger]

So far my clinician is okay, she knows what books and research papers can tell her. She isn't a "shrink" just a clinician there to make an objective assessment of me. She offers no advice nor counseling. I sought her out for that reason. I have major issues with "shrinks" and, I didn't want that interfering with both my own and the one diagnosing's ability to be objective and clinical about this. I just want us both to stick to the facts and information she requires to make an accurate diagnosis. I don't want or need counseling or advice, medications or any of that.

For me it's a 90 mile drive to see her and, I'll have one or two more visits before getting my official diagnosis but, I need it for my plans, things are in motion and, it will work out better and, present a better image if I have that diagnosis so, I'm doing what I must to in order to be best able to do what I want to do.

My diagnosis better not take more than 2 visits. And from the Autism shrinks and Clinicians I got to talk to in the past they all are saying 2 visits. There is more in my documentation than they can ever ask about my Autism since I am so acutely aware of all of my symptoms and I don't even have to add my co-morbids. This is why I'm having 2nd thoughts about going, especially since I have Autism issues when driving and it scares me to drive to any unfamiliar place which will cause me to take a taxi. I also told the lady that set up my appointment with me that I didn't want or need counseling or advice, medications or any of that as well

Sounds like your clinician is taking an advantage of you because she doesn't have enough business. Are you aware of all of your symptoms and their variations according to the Autism Criteria in the DSM-5? If you aren't, maybe that would be the other reason she is having you to come back so many times. I don't have a lot of confidence in Clinicians since I don't always see eye to eye with some of them telling to look it up in the DSM-5 or me being forced to show them proof why they are wrong.

I had a friend that turned to me about her little girl who was telling me about her traits and my friend was very thorough. But, I observed first hand some of her other traits as well. One of them was delayed speech which is no longer the part of the Autism Criteria thanks to the DSM-5. I told my friend she has Autism (Autistic Disorder). So the parents took their daughter to Peyton Manning hospital and she was indeed diagnosed with Autism.

Will your clinician give you a written statement that you have Autism?

 

[unsurewhattoname]

How can they accurately diagnose it in 2 visits? It look me several months and seeing more doctors than I can count. Psychiatrist sent me to a I don't what who sent me to a another psychiatrist and a nurse who were specialists who then went to the multidisciplinary team or something who then went to a psychologist etc. It was the most in depth thing ever. It involved previous teachers, my reports going back to primary school, my parents and myself. How on earth can it be accurate seeing you 2 times and hearing only your point of view? They need to know your early development, so how you were before age 3. They need an outside perspective. So if you think more than 2 visits is unreasonable well I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Beverly]

Yes, my clinician will give me a written statement if I request one, it will also go into my medical records just as it should.

I had to go once just to do paperwork and set up payment arrangements, give a medical history, the new patient basics. A second time to allow her to interview me, I could have written down all of my symptoms and, reasons why I know I'm an Aspie but, I am comfortable being interviewed and, I wanted her to ask every detail she might need to make an accurate diagnosis.

This week, a few people closest to me are being interviewed to see what they see as far as ASD symptoms or traits in me. I have no contact with my parents and, haven't since I was 18 so, a bandmate and my bodyguard know me better. Other than school records, the clinician is just going to have to accept my word for what my childhood and youth was like, it's all I have since I'm not in contact with anyone that knew me then.

my clinician told me that early development was helpful but, because I'm older, that isn't mandatory. It really depends on the person. I imagine if you are very self aware and, you don't have anyone but yourself that could give information, that would be enough. I am self aware enough but, others are here and willing to talk to my clinician so, she and I both appreciate some outside reinforcement for my personal observations about myself.

 

[royinpink]

I don't think it's fair to judge whether a certain number of sessions is inadequate or excessive without any other context. I would tell my own diagnostic process and why I trust it, but I don't want to give my clinician's name away. So suffice it to say, there are "psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and licensed clinical social workers" who all provide ASD diagnoses, and "Depending on what route you choose, your evaluation may involve questionnaires, cognitive tests and/or a diagnostic interview." A neuropsychologist, for instance, might do more cognitive testing. Some practitioners request to also interview family or loved ones of adults, but not all do. This is partly because your family will most certainly have forgotten things or may be biased against a diagnosis or in denial that anything was different, etc., or those who knew you as a child have passed on. Some practitioners in Australia may have accepted the RAADS-R as a diagnostic tool while practitioners in the USA have not and instead must struggle with instruments designed for children or which are not autism-specific. Some practitioners feel that the 20-some page report is mandatory while others may be comfortable with an 8 page report (the difference being that the long one is one that evaluates you for everything to attempt a better differential diagnosis, whereas the shorter ones just give you a yes/no on autism...I forget the terms for those.) Etc.

 

[Dirtdigger]

How can they accurately diagnose it in 2 visits? It look me several months and seeing more doctors than I can count. Psychiatrist sent me to a I don't what who sent me to a another psychiatrist and a nurse who were specialists who then went to the multidisciplinary team or something who then went to a psychologist etc. It was the most in depth thing ever. It involved previous teachers, my reports going back to primary school, my parents and myself. How on earth can it be accurate seeing you 2 times and hearing only your point of view? They need to know your early development, so how you were before age 3. They need an outside perspective. So if you think more than 2 visits is unreasonable well I don't know what to tell you.

First of all I wouldn't trust my family for anything since they thought I was retarded and an outcast anyhow and my parents has long been gone. 2nd I will have a lot of info with me going back to when I was only a baby where I saw some Autism things going on. There will be photos and my 2nd grade report card where the psychiatrist don't have to take my word for it. 3rd, are you acutely aware of all of your traits? Why else would you have to go to so many psychiatrists that makes me wonder how much they know about Autism? 4th, assessments have been developed so it takes a lot less time. So, yes, with better testing methods I feel like this can be done well within 2 days and done accurately too, with the right mental health experts.

Much faster methods.
http://research.agre.org/program/aboutados.cfm

I hope you find this interesting about Psychiatry Quackery.
http://www.naturalnews.com/040609_psychiatry_quack_science_bad_medicine.html#

 

[unsurewhattoname]

3rd, are you acutely aware of all of your traits? Why else would you have to go to so many psychiatrists that makes me wonder how much they know about Autism?

No, no I am not. I learned more about myself in those months than my entire life combined. There was so much I was unaware of. And because that seems to be the standard procedure. This wasn't me repeating the process over and over, this was just one assessment. And they know a lot. Some of the most intelligent people I've met. Knew exactly why it took me until adulthood until I got diagnosed, really understood me and the way my mind worked and were able to tell me a lot I didn't know about myself. Told me about why females get diagnosed later. They know way more than anyone on this site because they are professionals who know their stuff.

 

[Dirtdigger]

No, no I am not. I learned more about myself in those months than my entire life combined. There was so much I was unaware of. And because that seems to be the standard procedure. This wasn't me repeating the process over and over, this was just one assessment. And they know a lot. Some of the most intelligent people I've met. Knew exactly why it took me until adulthood until I got diagnosed, really understood me and the way my mind worked and were able to tell me a lot I didn't know about myself. Told me about why females get diagnosed later. They know way more than anyone on this site because they are professionals who know their stuff.

It sounds like you are a young adult where I see you live in the UK. However, in the U.S.A adults my age is diagnosed differently than children and young adults between 2 and 21 years old because it is much harder to observe us over a period of time. From what I have learned, Autistic people that is much older such as in my case, being 69 years old many psychiatrists rely on documentation if there is documentation.

It's been an uphill battle for several years for me to find someone who will assess me. It seem to be all about children and young adults between 2-21 and they just don't want to mess around with people my age. Or all of these symptoms are broken down individually where these idiots treat each symptom as if that is the only thing wrong and not bothering to diagnose the whole disorder in my city.

 

[unsurewhattoname]

This process had no age cap of 21, just a minimum of 18. Sorry it's done so differently in your country. Doesn't make much sense to have an upper limit, it does last your life so you should be able to be assessed all your life.

 

[Judge]

This process had no age cap of 21, just a minimum of 18. Sorry it's done so differently in your country. Doesn't make much sense to have an upper limit, it does last your life so you should be able to be assessed all your life.

Perhaps now you can begin to understand why self-help is so prevalent here. In our society once you're an adult, other than in the most extenuating circumstances the state essentially absolves itself of any responsibility or obligation to autistic adults.

No one here pretends to be a substitute for medical professionals. However for many of us on this side of the pond, our resources are considerably limited in terms of getting real help as autistic adults for a variety of economic and political reasons.

 

[Terencby]

2nd I will have a lot of info with me going back to when I was only a baby where I saw some Autism things going on. There will be photos and my 2nd grade report card where the psychiatrist don't have to take my word for it.

Not really the point IMHO.

For my diagnosis, (over 4 x 90 minute sessions), we spent the first one talking about my history. For the final session where I got to receive and discuss the diagnosis, I realised that those 90 minutes were just to observe my social interactions, look for stimming, analyse how I responded to certain questions (e.g.intellectually vs intuitively), what kinds of questions or discussions caused me to hesitate etc. etc. The actual content was fairly insignificant in terms of the final diagnosis. But through this discussion she picked up all the classics: inability to hold eye contact, various stimming movements (very subtle, but she noted them!), a tendency to talk AT rather than talk WITH, to talk in monologues, to talk about facts and information rather than emotions etc. (and a lot more ...).

Alongside that, I had 2 long sessions basically working through tests. One was the RAADS test, then I did two long questionnaires working through various situations and then asking me questions on what was presented: one of these was the Baron-Cohen "faux pas" test and the other was on "intent" in various social exchanges that I've forgotten the name of. Finally, I did the eye recognition test (which I did well at!).

Diagnosis for autism/Aspergers is no different to diagnosis for any kind of condition, medical or mental. You have a certain number of clinical criteria that have to be met. Or not. I was more than happy to work through it with someone who obviously knew what they were doing, and to work through it more or less like a maths exam.

FWIW, I was diagnosed by a doctor (i.e., a medical practitioner, a GP) who became interested in autism and got herself up to speed on diagnosis. Now it's all she does. I appreciated that she came at it from a fairly rigorous, non-subjective point of view which reflected her medical training.

 

[Terencby]

Perhaps now you can begin to understand why self-help is so prevalent here. In our society once you're an adult, other than in the most extenuating circumstances the state essentially absolves itself of any responsibility or obligation to autistic adults.

I don't know that it's much different anywhere for we older people on the spectrum. Thus web forums like this.