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At what point to seek a diagnosis?

java

Hi,

I read that if you're seeking a diagnosis your life needs to be negatively impacted to have an official diagnosis, how is that quantified? Is it accidentially offending people and being written off as weird or something more obvious such as very public meltdowns (where you scare normal people or they start pointing etc)? 

It is obvious that I have Aspergers particularly since I was diagnosed with coeliacs and are no longer glutenated, and have had problems since childhood (with examples in the diagnostic criteria). I don't think there's any doubt that I wouldn't 'achieve' a diagnosis but I don't know if it's impacting my life enough to warrant one in the eyes of the NHS. I am holding down a part time job (working with the public but in a very niche way which happens to be my interest, although there is major friction between myself and my manager which could be explained if just told her), I can generally do what I want but the things that make me happy are quiet and organised, I'm in a loving relationship, the problems come when I've done too much or I'm totally overloaded otherwise I can hide it well(ish).

I would like to go into a busyish place (cafes, events, days out) without bursting into tears/rocking etc because of a coffee machine screeching or someone bumping into me unexpecetdly. I can predict it sometimes so I generally run away and hide somewhere quiet but others one second I'm fine and then the next one not so good. It would be great to go do the weekly shopping trip without needing time to recover because the noise and the visual information is like being hit in the head with a hammer. 

What line do you have to cross for them to take notice?

I'm terrified about going to the doctor, I went through the mental health system for 3 years because they thought I had bi-polar tendancies which looking back now is laughable and that was utterly hourrendous. In fact, the only reason I wasn't discharged fairly quickly because I was overwhelmed in an early session, couldn't concentrate and ended up bouncing my leg unconciously...she pointed it out and told me it was weird and they kept me in the system for another 2.5 years which made everything so much worse.

I'm sorry for the long post. I think it may have come to a point where I need some help and I'm really scared.

Parents

  • I feel for you. The thought of seeing another consultant who lacks understanding and empathy is scary! We need to find the strength to see this through and request the service of a specialist in this field! I intend on doing this for my brother and then for myself! As someone mentioned in a previous message, we need to be very honest and tell the consultant everything! If we don't then they don't get the picture! It is however a daunting thought! ask to see someone else, a second opinion, even make a complaint if you are not happy! Not that we want to have autism but when you know something is not right you want to know why and we deserve that! I will pick my time when I feel best to deal with it, and feel strong enough, like most things in my life that I have control over. Otherwise it can all get too much. Good luck and stay strong, and keep on! 

Reply

  • I feel for you. The thought of seeing another consultant who lacks understanding and empathy is scary! We need to find the strength to see this through and request the service of a specialist in this field! I intend on doing this for my brother and then for myself! As someone mentioned in a previous message, we need to be very honest and tell the consultant everything! If we don't then they don't get the picture! It is however a daunting thought! ask to see someone else, a second opinion, even make a complaint if you are not happy! Not that we want to have autism but when you know something is not right you want to know why and we deserve that! I will pick my time when I feel best to deal with it, and feel strong enough, like most things in my life that I have control over. Otherwise it can all get too much. Good luck and stay strong, and keep on! 

Children
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