I have mostly the social symptoms but also some of the cognitive issues, such as repetitive thoughts and disliking change. Is it worth getting diagnosed at my age (36) or should I not bother seeking a diagnosis at this stage and just try to manage whatever problems I DO have, such as making eye contact, socialising, and so forth? I feel that getting a diagnosis would explain a lot of my past behaviour and that I would feel less shame and embarrassment over it.

[CaseyJones]

I am wondering the same thing. Socially it is like I don't pick up on human relations like others. I've gotten better, with time. No diagnosis but a therapist suggested the possibility. Not sure going and looking for a diagnosis. would work or if by looking for one they'd be less apt to provide one.

[catnip123]

I think it is worth it to get diagnosed as an adult. It helped me a lot. I read everything I could find about aspergers and learned that a lot of the things that I thought were weird about me were really aspergers traits. That helped me feel less bad about myself When I learned that other aspires share the same traits

[-jimi-]

In USA you cannot get diagnosed with Asperger's. In Europe the Asperger diagnosis will exist for a bit longer but not that long. In USA you can get diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. What the new diagnosis in Europe will be is probably similar, but so far we don't know if it will be a narrowing of the autistic spectrum or if anyone with Asperger's will be able to get the new diagnosis.

Saying this, because it has a slightly different feel to be an aspie or being autistic. Also it can differ depending on where you live the services you can get, what services you can get. But I would say, if you are in therapy or on meds, a diagnosis of autism is kind of crucial. A psychiatrist or therapist NEEDS to know if you're autistic.

[RichardBrooks]

I was diagnosed at 34. Finding out about Asperger's was like reading my life story and having it make sense for the first time. Here are just a few ways my diagnosis has helped me:

• What I thought were panic attacks were really autistic meltdowns. Since my diagnosis, I manage my mood, anxiety, and the attacks/meltdowns as autistic traits... and it works, whereas managing them as panic/anxiety only sorta kinda worked.
• I know why florescent lights and flashing lights bother me and no longer worry that I may be developing epilepsy. (Can you even develop epilepsy? What if it's another underlying condition such as a brain tumor? I have suffered a TBI; maybe it's brain damage. No? It's because I'm autistic? Well that explains that.)
• I no longer worry that I may be a sociopath.
• It's okay to stim.
• When entering into romantic relationships, I explain that I have asperger's. I encourage my partner to learn about ASD and tell her as much as I can about it and how it affects me so she doesn't end up thinking I'm just an uncaring *****. So far, no one has stuck around longer than a few months, but I remain hopeful that one day I will find someone who appreciates neurodiversity. Also, now it's a few months and not just a few weeks.
• I don't feel bad about cutting certain people out of my life. I told my family about Asperger's, and one of my sisters said, "Okay, now you know what's wrong with you. Good for you. Now get over it." We don't speak anymore, and I'm better off without that kind of abuse in my life.

I could go on and on, but I am glad I sought out a diagnosis. Even if for no other reason than I now have a name for why I have felt like an alien all my life, and I know I'm not alone.

[CaseyJones]

You know what's so confusing to me? Autism is a spectrum of many different symptoms. While I don't fit the typical aspie dx, I share many of the traits and the ones that I do are very noticeable in my life. So, no, I'm probably not an aspie but I'm somewhere on the spectrum (I feel).

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

In USA you cannot get diagnosed with Asperger's. In Europe the Asperger diagnosis will exist for a bit longer but not that long. In USA you can get diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. What the new diagnosis in Europe will be is probably similar, but so far we don't know if it will be a narrowing of the autistic spectrum or if anyone with Asperger's will be able to get the new diagnosis.

Saying this, because it has a slightly different feel to be an aspie or being autistic. Also it can differ depending on where you live the services you can get, what services you can get. But I would say, if you are in therapy or on meds, a diagnosis of autism is kind of crucial. A psychiatrist or therapist NEEDS to know if you're autistic.

Well yeah it would not be called aspergers as far as the actual diagnoses...just autism spectrum disorder, people with aspergers still fit the criteria for that. But a diagnoses does certainly help with services if one needs support.

[-jimi-]

Here in Europe where whe have another diagnostic manual, we do not yet know if things will be phrased so all people with Asperger's can fit into the diagnosis of autism spectrum. Because it will be a few more years until it is published.

[smoothielover]

It's really up to you if you want a diagnosis. It may give you answers and make you feel justified, or it may not be what you were thinking. But no matter what the diagnosis is, it's still important to take care of yourself.
I started going to a therapist for a while but had to take a break because my car broke down and I need the money for either a new car or to fix it. She told me she thinks I have Asperger's but I never got an official diagnosis, nor will I probably ever because of the cost. I do want to because I feel like it would give me the answers I've been looking for, that I'm not actually crazy!
Good luck with your diagnosis journey!