Being diagnosed

[AllenKuro]

Hello, I've created this account so I can have your opinions. I've been seeing my psychologist for about a year now, and we have been discussing the topic of the fact that i might be asperger or high functioning autism. But the thing I don't understand is that for my psychologist the fact that I have sensory issues, trouble with controlling my body isn't related to autism.

For my psychologist the fact that I can kind of look her in the eye is a proof of the fact I'm not autistic or I don't look to have difficulty to socialize for her. Or the fact that I don't have one specific obsession even if every time I like something I'm going to talk only about that for days. Or the fact that I don't have a schedule but I plan how things are going to happen and if it's not how I planned I start crying. And for my psychologist sensory meltdown are not a symptom of autism.

So I think that for her autism is only about visible social inability and not being able to make eye contact. Do you recommend me to go see someone else ? (ps:english isn't my first language so excuse me if it's not really comprehensible)

 

[Fridgemagnetman]

She doesn't sound like an expert.

I would suggest using the barriers so she has set for you.

Do this :

List the barriers, her objections. Write and research several reasons why that isn't true/ doesn't apply to you.

For example :
Eye contact . Therapist dismissed this. I can maintain eye contact but I have spent years practicing it. I often can't hear what the other person is saying as I obsess about how many seconds I've looked at the person and if I'm should look! Away or where I should look.

List the other examples.


Use it as information for the next therapist.

The reason having written personal notes works for me is

In the moment somebody dismisses me, I remain dismissed.
I am not often able to argue process, in real time. (Another symptom to think on)

There is also a high risk of exaggerated high volume response.

This can often be taken as anger.

Maybe you get some of that too, and can add it to your list.

I would journal it/ diarise it with tags and folders.

That means, whenever you think of something it can go in to a record.

Diaro is an app I use.

Forewarned is forearmed, a saying you may need to translate depending on which country you are from

So, yes, seek out another therapist.

 

[Progster]

I agree with @Fridgemagnetman . It sounds like you have found coping strategies, and just because you have found some coping mechanisms, doesn't mean that you don't have ASD. In fact, most adults with ASD have found some coping mechanisms... one doesn't have to display all of the symptoms all of the time to be diagnosed with ASD. I would seek a second opinion by someone more informed and experienced in ASD, because this psychologist clearly isn't well informed and doesn't look beyond the stereotypes.

 

[Tom]

A lot of professionals are not very informed on HFA. In fact I suspect the ones who are, are in the minority.

 

[Sloth]

Yep, also agree with @Fridgemagnetman and @Progster . A key reason why I wasn't diagnosed for a very long time was that I didn't exhibit a lot of the physical symptoms because I would "mask" and imitate correct behavior. I have come to realize, however, that internally (mentally), I obviously still had a lot of the ASD struggles, maintaining the mask was a huge drain. I also don't tend to have one consistent special interest but rather changing ones. I think it's important to see people who are specifically experienced in ASD, at the very least getting a second opinion might be a good idea.

 

[clg114]

It isn't very often that someone on the spectrum displays all of the symptoms of autism. For example, I do not have any trouble looking someone in the eyes. However, I do have a lot of other symptoms, some of them in spades. I have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome with the old DSM-4. When I went to get a diagnosis, I was advised to find a psychologist with experience with autism. I did and I believe this is very important.

Welcome to AutismForums. I think that you will like it here.

 

[AllenKuro]

also she said that because when i was a kid and still now if someone tell me i cant do something and they dont have a rational explanation why i cant do the thing i still do it.

 

[AllenKuro]

thank you all i think im going to stay a bit more on that forum and im going to wait to see another person because my parents trust her and i still live with them (plus i can still adapt my life to my need by myself)