[HopeforCure]

My current official diagnoses include bipolar disorder and OCD. A year ago I took an online assessment for Autism/Asperger's and the result concluded that I was highly likely to have an ASD. Just recently I again took another assessment with the same conclusions. I have always had difficulty interacting with others. In addition I sometimes feel "overloaded" by sensory-input. This highly frustrates me and has interfered with my functioning. I find it difficult sometimes to exactly explain how I feel/the sensations that overcome me when I feel "overloaded" except for the fact that I just need to be alone and want to shut things out. I almost went through testing last year but I ended up being way too unstable to be tested. I am considering being tested again. Would it be worth my time? I want answers but do not tolerate excessive stress/stimuli too well.

[manwithnofriends]

It's definitely worth it.

Hope- I think when we looked at seeking a diagnosis [of any kind] it is important to figure out for ourselves what the advantage might be to having a specific diagnosis versus the financial cost, aggravation, and also possible repurcussions that may develo from any given diagnosis being "official".

If you are bipolar and OCD and have the sensory issues you describe, you could be on the spectrum if you also experience a lot of other behaviors, functioning, and engagement associated with ASDs.

On the other hand- you could be experiencing a sensory processing disorder, which can have a profound affect on how you interact with your environment and other people.

And behind door number three [no there is no door one or two, just hands!] ...a few other things that are less common.

If you have the resources a neuropsych would probably be helpful in determining what exactly is going on- if you have major sensory issues and it is actually a processing disorder there are ways to cope and tools and skills you can use to orient yourself to your daily surroundings better. This tends to descrease anxiety and that feeling of social awkwardness to some degree.

If you seek a diagnosis, you may not hear what you expect.
I would encourage you to do so if you feel it might be helpful, but try to stay away from suggesting that you are on the spectrum or seeing someone who ONLYspeciallizes in ASDs [someone who has background in ASDs and other disorders would be helpful, but a specific clinical focus on ONLY ASDs may skew your possible dx]

[rosska]

I agree that it is worth investigating, but don't put the words in their mouth for them. When I was diagnosed with AS it was actually because my GP thought I may be suffering from psychosis. She referred me for evaluation and I was then further referred for AS diagnosis. That came back as official, at the same time I was told I have OCD and DID. Luckily no psychosis though so that's always a bonus to know!

Finding out was a huge relief, even if it doesn't fix things, it explains them and that helps a lot.