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Confusion around diagnoses in Germany

Alien0n3arth

As I found out, in Germany (the country I'm currently living and hope to stay here for ever) Autism is being still diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria. The reason is simple - WHO did not issue ICD-11 criteria in german. So the outcome is that- these diagnosticians who speak English fluent enough to understand the criteria- may issue a diagnosis according to ICD-11 criteria. Otherwise patients receive ICD-10 diagnosis. The criteria are being constantly updated, but its all ICD-10. 

My therapist is taking care of me like no medical before, he applied for additional hours for me on my behalf (paid by insurance) he didn't have to do it. He advised me that I call the local clinic to ask if they diagnose autism. I did it and received short answer- no. I told him tbat and he was amazed and decided to call himself. He couldn't reach a psychologist from there but he promised me he would speak to them to find a way for me. He had a referral ready in his hand. He mentioned the diagnosis of "Asperger Syndrome" as being the most accurate for me. 

We've been talking about diagnosis since December last year, the therapist advised that I find a clinic. As the local one gave me the negative answer,  I started looking in two bigger cities in radius of 60km. Most of them didn't respond, only one responded. It's private one, I can pay. The most important thing is that this lady understands and accepts the fact that I don't have any informant who knows me from my childhood.  I have photos, copies of my projects (related to special interests) and school reports. She said its enough. My husband can be my informant, it's also fine. 

I'm just not sure according to which criteria I would be diagnosed,  how valid it is and it's all confusing.

On one hand the Asperger Syndrom is not officially used anymore, on other hand there are still people who are receiving this diagnosis till this very day and I might be one of them. My therapist who knows me already one and half year said there is no other condition that would come to his mind in my case.

Parents

  • I was initially diagnosed with Aspergers as it was before the changes, to the criteria, I just adjusted my description along with the updated diagnostic criteria, whether someone calls it Aspergers or autism, dosen't really make any difference. 

    I think I'd have problems having an "informant" (what a horrible term!) as apart from my Mum who's possible on the spectrum herself, isn't very good at articulating what she means and feels and has a poor memory for personal information I have no one. I never had much in the way of close family and friends and I'm an only child. I think this need for an informant is ridiculous for older people. 

    I'm glad you've found someone understanding who can and will help

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Here in Germany they call it "Asperger Syndrom" or "Asperger- Autismus" der Autismus- Autism. 

    My mom said I was always different and unique but it has nothing to do with autism.  She said she is mad when hearing about Autism spectrum. She doesn't accept it and she does not accept that i might be on the spectrum. My therapist knows my story and he also said what I have is enough. 

    I would like to join local support group,  for that I need official dx. 

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  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Here in Germany they call it "Asperger Syndrom" or "Asperger- Autismus" der Autismus- Autism. 

    My mom said I was always different and unique but it has nothing to do with autism.  She said she is mad when hearing about Autism spectrum. She doesn't accept it and she does not accept that i might be on the spectrum. My therapist knows my story and he also said what I have is enough. 

    I would like to join local support group,  for that I need official dx. 

Children
  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    I had massive meltdowns,  quite many people told my mom that there was something wrong with me, but she preferred to not see it. Her answer was always "no she is just like this". She has no idea what I went through.  She admitted to be hiding my differences and problems to save me from mental ward in my childhood. Now, as the awareness is much higher and it's being handled better, she is still living in the past. She built her ego around being "the perfect mother" as she considers herself. So a perfect mother couldn't raise an autistic daughter. Doesn't matter, that autism has nothing to do with good/bad parenting or with vaccines. 

    Most important thing for me is that now I found someone who listened to me, took me seriously and I don't need my mom's help. I find it really unfair that so many people depend on their parents even in critical situations. 

  • in reply to Alien0n3arth

    It's horrible to face such denial from someone who should be concerned with your welfare. I often wonder if it's a generational thing? I remember my parents telling me thay were so glad I was born "normal" as back in the 1960's, the disabled were often taken away and the parents told to forget about them and try again. Any disability was seen as such a stigma then and the families of the disabled were often judged harshly. It's a shame that your mother can't see past these prejudices.