Adult female - told by counsellor to seek diagnosis but I'm not sure she is right or I would get a diagnosis very easily.

Hi all,

Been to 6 sessions with a counsellor/psychologist because I was struggling with health anxiety among other things affecting my general life. At the last session she advised she thought I was on the Autism Spectrum. I was not expecting this at all. I am really messed up now and unsure what to do.

I've done a number of online tests and they all show that I am close but not in the range of having ASD. I don't see the point of putting myself through trying to get a diagnosis if the chances are I will not pass the basic preliminary questionnaires. Is this all they judge you on?

Since seeing the counsellor and her telling me what she did I keep noticing my behaviour and things that upset me and make me feel awkward a lot more and part of me wonders if she is right. It's really messed with my feelings as she made out like if I do have ASD then that's the reason I might be struggling with everything but she didn't really give me any help or guidance. I have been advised that if I do have it, continuing with normal counselling that isn't specific to the condition may do more harm than good. 

From the research I've done so far I can't see me getting diagnosed very easily as I am good at a lot of the general symptoms and behaviours that show up the condition, whether I've learnt to be or I actually am good I don't know. 

Any advice or ideas what to do next? Am wondering whether to try and pay (already spent loads on the first counsellor) for another counsellor to get a second opinion and maybe not mentioning what the first one said to see if they find the same conclusion?

I phoned the GP to discuss options but twice now I've been told they can't speak to me unless its an emergency.  

Parents
  • Hi, I am in almost exactly the same position and it is nice to hear I am not the only one. As you say it has really messed with me too. I intend to go to another councellor in the future . . . I think. I have been talking with a friend with councellling experience who has been very helpful, she tried to talk me into lodging a complaint about who I went to. I emailed her with my concerns, told the councellor how much worse I felt and how uncertain, that she should have just dropped it on me even if she thought I was. She sort of apologised said she should have been more tactful, should have broached it better. But it was so carefully worded to avoid admitting any fault that it wasn't exactly helpful for me. 

    I would really love a diagnosis, just to know. But it seems to me this would be very difficult to get. 

  • Hi, after weeks of obsessing about how I was supposed to deal with it I did go to another counsellor who does specialise in Autism and she seemed quite convinced after 2 sessions that I had Aspergers… I still don't know how to deal with it. Everyone around me that I've mentioned it to just thinks I should just get on with life but I can't help being a little bit obsessed with the fact that I may be different to everyone else. It's really weird to deal with. I have gone to GP about getting a diagnosis and they referred me but nothing as yet. I'm not really convinced it will help. What traits of yours did she pick up on? How many sessions did it take for her to tell you what she thought?

  • Hi, I’m new to this site and like you have been to a counsellor, initially for aniexty, and have realised that it could be Asperger syndrome that I have.  As I’m 44 now this has been a complete revelation to me, i’ve read a lot about it and the traits etc and i’m pretty sure that this may be the case.  It would certainly explain my whole life experiences and also has made me realise that i’m not a complete ‘alien’ in this world that I have always felt.  I have completed online tests that have indicated that I have significant autistic traits.  I suppose the next step would be to get an official diagnosis but still not quite made that step yet.  I feel like my whole life and what has gone on prior to now has been turned on it’s head and I’m struggling to deal with that.  But on the positive side I feel that I would have justification on my thoughts and feelings, as well as making peace with me as I would understand myself better and realise that it’s okay to be different and that is me.  I would love to hear what experiences/advice you could give me, asI’m new to the area I live I don’t have anyone to share this with and would understand. I really look forward to hearing from you all.

  • Your experience is exactly the same as mine! I am 36 and would never have dreamt of having autism/aspergers if I hadn't gone to counselling. When I completed the online tests I scored high but still borderline as I think I mask very well and often have a feeling of not knowing who I am as I think I have spent many years trying to be what people want me to be. A lot of people don't bother getting a diagnosis as it is difficult but I guess they feel they know they are on the spectrum. I still have some days where I think I definitely am and other days when I think nah, I can't be. I feel exactly as you described above about understanding yourself better but the niggle that it might not be the reason confuses me! Sounds like we are both starting a bit of a new journey! Can't say I have much advice as yet as I'm in the early stages of discovery too but would be happy to chat about experiences. I have spent a lot of time on line reading about it and watching you tube videos (there are a lot made by autistic women) and often finding myself relating to them. Be interested to share thoughts with you guys who are in the same boat!

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  • Your experience is exactly the same as mine! I am 36 and would never have dreamt of having autism/aspergers if I hadn't gone to counselling. When I completed the online tests I scored high but still borderline as I think I mask very well and often have a feeling of not knowing who I am as I think I have spent many years trying to be what people want me to be. A lot of people don't bother getting a diagnosis as it is difficult but I guess they feel they know they are on the spectrum. I still have some days where I think I definitely am and other days when I think nah, I can't be. I feel exactly as you described above about understanding yourself better but the niggle that it might not be the reason confuses me! Sounds like we are both starting a bit of a new journey! Can't say I have much advice as yet as I'm in the early stages of discovery too but would be happy to chat about experiences. I have spent a lot of time on line reading about it and watching you tube videos (there are a lot made by autistic women) and often finding myself relating to them. Be interested to share thoughts with you guys who are in the same boat!

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