Benefit of adult diagnosis?

Dear Peter

Most "neurotypical" people have ASD traits, some more marked than others.  So you are not alone by any means.  The main reason for a diagnosis is to identify specific adjustments and adaptations that may help you or prevent disadvantage in the workplace.  Disadvantage usually happens because ASD traits affect your ability to be flexible or to adhere to hidden social rules - which in turn affect your performance.

I recently had an article published online in personnel today under hr/manage-autism-workplace, which may be a useful starting point to see how helpful it may be.

Good luck

Hi 

You may want to see your GP to discuss an autism assessment. Tomorrow, I have an assessment for autism. This will be at an NHS hospital's ASD (autism spectral disorder) unit. Last year, I had an ADHD assessment and the specialist who saw for this, decided to refer for ASD assessment, hence tomorrow's appointment. 

I understand what you mean by coping strategies. 

Initially, I wasn't that interested in the autism assessment. But now I have the chance to do this, I keen to know what the assessment means, if it leads to a diagnosis and how this can translate into specific help - for instance CBT.

Hi Peter,

I am 'high functioning' Autism / Aspergers and got my diagnosis earlier this year.  It was good for me to finally know, to have clarity that I am on the spectrum.  Apart from that there has been zero benefit for me.  There is funding for a diagnosis, but none for anything else.  It was well worth doing for the diagnosis though and cost me nothing!

Take care xx

Peter, 

I would recommended getting an adult diagnosis for ASD (autism spectrum disorder). For info - the aspegers diagnosis was stopped, with everyone now assessed on the autism spectrum.

An ASD diagnosis can improve self-enlightenment, highlights personaility traits and can translate into targetted help. Now that I have been diagnosed, there will be some following sessions to discuss and address some of the points raised in the diagnosis report.

I didn't request a diagnosis, so I can't comment on how you'd involve your doctor. I went to see a specialist to discuss possible ADHD symptoms. While being diagnosed for ADHD, the specialist also thought I might also have ASD. So he referred me for an ASD assessment. So I ended up being diagnosed with ADHD and ASD.

Hi Peter! My 23 year old son was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was about 8 years old. He was followed through school with an IEP, which allowed him to have special accomodations. Such as more time taking tests, etc.... He is going to college now, taking it very slow because of his anxiety level being so high. He has a few more classes to go and he'll have his Associates. He has a 3.8 GPA, however, he was trying to get into a college to get his bachelor's degree and study xray tech and specialize in MRI's, etc...passed the written test to get in but when it came to the interview, he must not have done well, as his social skills are lacking. He ended up not being accepted. With a diagnosis you are entitled to special accomodations in college as well.

How do you do when it comes to socializing, driving and just going places on your own. These are areas where my son really struggles. He really isn't interested in hanging out with friend's even if his twin or younger brother try to get him to join them. He is able to drive but his anxiety is getting in the way, he just keeps going through the "What if's" such as what if I go through a red light, get lost, hit someone, etc...He also never leaves the house alone. If he has a class, someone will take him and pick him up, he goes to class and that's about it. I'm really worried about him!

Do you see a therapist? This is something I want my son to do but he refuses to. Do you find that your anxiety get's in the way of you doing different things? Sorry for all the questions, it's not often that I get the opportunity to talk to someone his age to find out if they struggle in these areas as well.

Thanks for any input you can offer me! I really appreciate it! Look forward to hearing from you!!!

Hi Peter,

First of all I'd like great it is that you have developed strategies to cope and are doing ok.

In UK, one benefit is that you will be covered by disability legislation as the employer is required to make reasonable adjustments.

Also you may also be eligible for PIP (personal independence payments). There is some excellent information and guidance from the ME society on how to apply for PIP, what the questions mean, and what you will be scored on. Google PIP and ME society.

To get a disgnosis, the first step is to speak to your GP who will give yo u a questionnaire to complete. If your answers indicate you may have autism (which includes aspergers) you will then be referred for a formal assessment. In UK although one is classed as being on the autistic spectrum, the sub classification of Aspergers is also given if relevant.

Best wishes.