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Adult diagnosis of Asperger's?

ease

Hello Smile

Just registered here so this is my first post. Basically I've struggled with a lot of things most of my life, I'm in my late 30s now, but in my early 30s a friend suggested that I may have Asperger's. I looked into it and it really explained a lot of things, actually it was hugely helpful to self diagnose, since it's helped me deal with why I have trouble with certain things and why I struggle doing things that most people take for granted.

The reason I've come on here is to ask about proper diagnosis, and whether it's worth it? I work as a freelance designer / illustrator so I work from home, which suits me well because I find it really hard to work in an office. However, I'd like to try to get a full time job in my field, so I'm wondering if getting a proper diagnosis will be beneficial?

I have absolutely no idea what help is available for people with Asperger's, nor if there's even any help that can be given. I don't really know my GP since I rarely get ill, and the thought of going to them to talk about this sort of thing makes me really anxious, so I've been avoiding it for ages. But having said that, if there's a real advantage to getting a proper diagnosis then I could probably push myself to do so.

Another problem from reading some of the threads on this forum, is that it seems a lot of people don't get taken very seriously, or can appear to be "fine" when seeing a GP or a specialist. I've trained myself over the years to create habits to sort of hide my Asperger's (or suspected Asperger's!) so I worry it may be hard to diagnose.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated! 

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    If there is a pressing need or crisis then a diagnosis can be absolutely invaluable. The NHS will kick into action if you have a good going breakdown or if you are suffering from long term depression or other psychiatric problem.

    I had to get a diagnosis as I was having severe problems at work. The diagnosis brought great relief and understanding and I feel much much better to have some explanation for how my interactions with the world had gone wrong so often for so long.

    Having got the diagnosis, the local mental health trust do offer proper services and support to help manage better and to improve social skills etc. I haven't used this much yet but these people do get it and understand what its all about. They also provide drop-in sessions and other social meets.

    My employers response has been variable - my line managers don't get it really but the HR people are much more receptive and understanding. I'm looking for another job and so far I have mentioned it to one agent who then never called again. Another company weren't fazed when I brought up the issue at interview. One thing here is that you have to wonder whether you want to deal with a company that doesn't understand. I'll see how this goes and perhaps report back on the forum in due course. My colleagues have been great and nobody has stopped talking to me or treated me badly since I've disclosed the condition.

    The diagnosis won't lead to a cure. But it can lead to a much happier life so I would recommend you talking to your GP. You may have to emphasise the problems that you suffer from. It is easier if you write down all of the things that make you think you have the condition and also all of the problems it causes you.

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    If there is a pressing need or crisis then a diagnosis can be absolutely invaluable. The NHS will kick into action if you have a good going breakdown or if you are suffering from long term depression or other psychiatric problem.

    I had to get a diagnosis as I was having severe problems at work. The diagnosis brought great relief and understanding and I feel much much better to have some explanation for how my interactions with the world had gone wrong so often for so long.

    Having got the diagnosis, the local mental health trust do offer proper services and support to help manage better and to improve social skills etc. I haven't used this much yet but these people do get it and understand what its all about. They also provide drop-in sessions and other social meets.

    My employers response has been variable - my line managers don't get it really but the HR people are much more receptive and understanding. I'm looking for another job and so far I have mentioned it to one agent who then never called again. Another company weren't fazed when I brought up the issue at interview. One thing here is that you have to wonder whether you want to deal with a company that doesn't understand. I'll see how this goes and perhaps report back on the forum in due course. My colleagues have been great and nobody has stopped talking to me or treated me badly since I've disclosed the condition.

    The diagnosis won't lead to a cure. But it can lead to a much happier life so I would recommend you talking to your GP. You may have to emphasise the problems that you suffer from. It is easier if you write down all of the things that make you think you have the condition and also all of the problems it causes you.

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