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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 think in the UK clinicians use either the ICD-11 or DSM-5, depending on personal preference. The only determinant of the validity of an autism diagnosis is that the clinician or clinicians doing the assessment are qualified to do so. A diagnosis of Asperger's is just as valid as a diagnosis of ASD. 

    Just be thankful you are not in France, where the psychiatric profession is so welded to Freudian/Jungian psychoanalysis that autism is hardly recognised as a condition and few people are diagnosed.

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  • I think in the UK clinicians use either the ICD-11 or DSM-5, depending on personal preference. The only determinant of the validity of an autism diagnosis is that the clinician or clinicians doing the assessment are qualified to do so. A diagnosis of Asperger's is just as valid as a diagnosis of ASD. 

    Just be thankful you are not in France, where the psychiatric profession is so welded to Freudian/Jungian psychoanalysis that autism is hardly recognised as a condition and few people are diagnosed.

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