Asperger Syndrome Support Group
Asperger syndrome - also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, Aspergers or just AS - is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence, and standard language development.
I've struggled with probs all of my life. Bullied off and on, anxiety, problems understanding stuff/getting things done. Always thought I was ADD among other things. I learned about Asperger's a few years ago. Live in the Midwest and finally went to a PH.D Psychologist and asked to be tested for Asperger's. She gave me an Autism Spectrum Quotient, I think, anyway, just a screening, no set diagnosis. She had a few other diagnosis that I already know about--a TOVA test showed I do not have ADD, so she diagnosed me with tentative Asperger's. No recommendations. In searching my small city no therapists that understand or specialize in Adult Aspergers. Closest specialist is 3 hours away in another state.
Any advice on getting diagnosed by a psychiatrist and what is the standard test?
Sorry for the long post--I've been told this is one of my Aspie traits. Thanks!
Any advice on getting diagnosed by a psychiatrist and what is the standard test?
Sorry for the long post--I've been told this is one of my Aspie traits. Thanks!
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I find myself going places in the car and not wanting to get out of the car. I come back home and I don't want to get out of the car. I think it's the only time I spend reflecting. Chronic tiredness from Long Covid plus the immunosupressing meds for my Crohn's is slowing me down but everything just seems a massive effort. I am dealing with the paperwork following my father's death but it's not...
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Wow, it's the middle of the week already!Today is our 11 year anniversary, so we're going out to a nice dinner. I'm losing a lot of sleep these days, hence a wonky schedule and uncomfortable feelings. But I know it will pass, eventually.I hope all of you have a peaceful day, and may good things come your way!
fixations.
It turns people who were qualified or semi-qualified and had been watching me also believed I had it, including a neurologist in NY city after having only heard a description of me. Nonetheless, we grappled for many years with shrinks telling us "it might be, it might not be". Following a nervous breakdown, which I hope to discuss in this group, I was even diagnosed as schizophrenic, which I knew to be absolutely false (though sometimes I wish it weren't, as then I'd have someone to talk to---little joke).
Just last year, we were finally able to get me diagnosed by a professional. This entailed them closely scrutinizing my life and records and, of course, talking to me. I was also ask to take a series of tests evaluating thinking skills, motor functions, etc.
Asperger's is a developmental disorder, and most psychologists, in my experience seem to think that if you manage to get through puberty, you either don't have it, or you can't be diagnosed.
Find a professional, someone who specializes in diagnosing it, and someone who is not afraid to look at your childhood tendencies in tandem with your current age. These are not the typical joe shrinks in small towns, but people found generally in big cities.
I hope I've helped some.
Thank you so much! Yes, this is helpful and encouraging! I will keep trying! I have struggled with severe anxiety and depression at different times so I am interested in reading about your nervous breakdown and your healing journey.
It is difficult though, at least in personal experience, to find anyone interested in doing a diagnosis of adults in some parts of the US.
I found it relatively easy to get a diagnosis in the UK at over 50.
I am a 40 plus female who was initially diagnosed as a child with Autism, after a lengthy battle, I was able to get reassessed a few years ago and moved from a high functioning autistic to Aspergers. I find having a diagnosis nothing more than a label that will explain to others the quirkiness of my interactions. It does not prevent me from following my dreams, hopes and aspirations. I do have difficulties at times in relationships, possibly due to the minimal attachment factor, and the enjoyment of being alone. However, I work through those issues. Thankfully my life partner is understanding and caring, she also has a background in working with individuals who have a diagnosis of Autism/Asperger's.