So I was diagnosed several years ago as an adult by a specialist in diagnosing adults on the autism spectrum. The report came back as moderate/severe Aspergers.

I have days where I truly believe this diagnosis. It makes sense. It gives me a framework upon which to learn how to adapt to the world.

But I also have bipolar I disorder and have wound up in the hospital 5 times for that - 3 of them since my diagnosis. None of the hospital psychiatrists have believed the diagnosis. They say things like I'm too socially capable, or that I don't "seem" autistic.

It leads to doubt. Maybe it's something else. Anxiety. ADHD. I've withdrawn from the autism community because I don't feel right presenting myself as an autistic person if no one believes the diagnosis. But for the few years where I attended groups and participated in studies (and interestingly enough, the studies corroborated the diagnosis) I felt like there was finally a place where I fit.

Do you find that autism, when you're "higher functioning" can be a contested diagnosis? Even my current psychiatrist is skeptical. I figure one day if I can afford it, I'll get neurological testing. Maybe they can shoot down a specialist, but neurological testing seems even more official.