[Pandoren]

OK, so I suck at titles.

It's not the first time that someone has said Asperger's to me but today a psych doc said that he thinks I have an ASD and he wants me to take a test (a proper assessment) for it. Now, the last two times someone asked me if I have Asperger's I've looked it up (the first being some time ago and the second being quite recently with my last psychologist) and both times I've not related that well with the symptoms of it, although I guess I can see why the psych might wonder. This apparently doesn't matter to the guy. I agreed to the test if only to prove I haven't got it. I don't think I have. I guess I'm feeling quite frustrated at the moment, both by being persistently told I have something that I don't think I do and perhaps a little by feeling it's a kind of automatic diagnosis for these people (social problem = Asperger's automatic go-to... if you see what I mean).

I bet if I told my mother she probably wouldn't agree either... I'm probably 90% positive she'd go off on one, spouting numerous incidences in my past to disprove it, at least in her eyes, or possibly just a short "no you haven't". 10% might be her taking the phone to her room and phoning my aunt so she can have a self-pity party (you know, where did she go wrong as a mother, why did she end up with a disappointment of a child... not in those words, but that's the vibe, you know?)

Blah. I don't even know what the point of this thread was, just wanted to rant somewhere.

[bamapsych]

After 3 different professionals telling you this, it may be something for you to consider. It isn't the end of the world if you are diagnosed with Asperger's or any other thing. Taking the test will help them to either diagnose or rule out Asperger's which will also be a benefit to your treatment. The more info they have, the better they know how to plan for your treatment. If you are diagnosed, then therapy can help with symptoms. There are many positive things that come from having Asperger's too that's been discussed here on PC. If you do have it, it has nothing to do with how your mom raised you so please let her know this. It's a genetic thing like diabetes, cardiac problems, etc.

[Pandoren]

I don't mean to insinuate there is anything wrong with Asperger's, just that I really really don't think I've got it. I think it's more a problem of communication between me and these people and that what I'm saying is coming off the wrong way, or they aren't asking the right questions. It seems to me that a lot of the questions they ask are wanting sort of black and white yes or no answers and my life isn't as easy as that... and they want to box me into this.

To be honest, whether I'm diagnosed or not, I'll be saying nothing to my mother. Our relationship isn't that great. It's interesting you say it is genetic, I can't think of anyone in my family with aspie behaviour... then again, maybe I just don't know them that well.

Originally Posted by Pandoren

I guess I'm feeling quite frustrated at the moment, both by being persistently told I have something that I don't think I do and perhaps a little by feeling it's a kind of automatic diagnosis for these people (social problem = Asperger's automatic go-to... if you see what I mean).

I understand your concern with Asperger's being used as a default diagnosis for social problems.

There are many psychiatric conditions and learning disabilities that resemble AS so they must be considered in an assessment.

You don't have to go for an assessment if you don't want to. If you feel it will cause harm, then perhaps it is not worth it at this time.

Why does your doctor suspect you have it? If you don't know, ask.

[Pandoren]

I sort of agreed just so they could be proved wrong I guess and then next time someone says it I can say "nope, not got it."

Well, he said that it was his "gut feeling" because of my lack of close friendships and relationships with my family (despite having had only one close friendship in my life and being formerly in a good relationship with my mother). I can't remember if there is anything else he said. I was too busy not liking him and being annoyed.

There is a lot more to Asperger's than poor social skills. I suggest reading about it and discussing it in depth with your psychiatrist.

[Pandoren]

Exactly!

I've read about Asperger's and as I say, I don't relate to what I've read. The appointment the other day was the first time I'd seen this psych guy and didn't take to him at all. I don't know when I'll see him again.

[-jimi-]

Used to be BPD and now it's AS. If they can't pinpoint what's going on, it has to be AS. Like in the past, it had to be BPD.

I don't get a rat's behind for their gut feelings. My records are full of gut feelings. Gut feeling that I'm BPD (because back then it was said you as a treating person was always given this odd, spooky feeling around people with BPD!), gut feeling that I hid my schizophrenia (They asked me a lot if I had voices which I didn't), feeling that I DIDN'T have Asperger's.... and so on.

I had a real test, both for AS and ADD. Of course it wasn't only tests but also interviews but they were structured and not based on someone's emotions. Which I'm thankful about, since people love to read me wrong.

So, if I hadn't have any AS traits, it would clearly showed up on the test.

I wish all diagnoses were made in a similar manner. Instead you can get a diagnosis from talking to a doc for five minutes, and that is simply so wrong!

[Pandoren]

I got a letter from my doc today. Obviously the psych guy asked him to make the referral. My doc wanted my agreement... Not only did I find this psych objectionable to start with, but he failed to tell me that the assessment headquarters is in London... this after I told him in that session that I'm not mobile and I have significant anxiety of the London Underground. Nice to know he was listening to me, huh?

[Denotsed]

I don't see Asperger's as the default diagnosis for social issues, at least not to the psychiatrist I recently saw. He tried to label me as Social Anxiety when I actually believe I have Aspergers. We are in opposite boats.

[Pandoren]

Well, I just got officially diagnosed with high functioning Asperger's :S

[Callista]

Heh. Well, welcome to the spectrum. It's not like every case is glaringly obvious and severe, you know.

But if you're still really in doubt about the diagnosis, do have a good talk with your doctor and have him/her explain exactly what led to the diagnosis and what the diagnosis means for you, what kind of help you can expect to get. And if it turns out that the kind of therapy they are offering could help you, then who cares what label you have, right?

[CantExplain]

My therapist is concerned that Aspergers is a "fashionable" diagnosis, and it can therefore be a lazy diagnosis too.