Blind "experts"

[Dale C]

I have seen specialist's since early childhood. Stumbling upon this information myself is... I don't even know
what to say I fit this condition symptoms like an autobiography. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. How could so many specialists miss every indicated criteria listed for effects of this syndrome. Did they truly want me getting better I'm beginning to wonder?

 

[NeoPhile]

Sometimes, many of these "Expert" psychiatrists don't think that self-reporting is scientific in trying to understand neurological disorder. Autism is something that has to be understood from the inside out.

 

[xudo]

Welcome

I think you will find that the majority of us here have at one point or another been seen by a professional who overlooked signs (either in terms of ASD, or another condition/s). There are people here who have been misdiagnosed many times before finally getting a correct diagnosis. Don't give up.

 

[Crossbreed]

[cynical mode]
ASDs don't sell drugs.
[/cynical mode]

...and welcome to AC.

 

[Mia]

How could so many specialists miss every indicated criteria listed for effects of this syndrome. Did they truly want me getting better I'm beginning to wonder?

Welcome @Dale C to Aspie Central. It happens very often, that people go to specialists for some sort of diagnosis. Some go for many years. Not all specialists are created equal. And it used to be that if you didn't show at least four of the traits from the DSM, then you wouldn't have a diagnosis. If for example you maintained eye contact. That has since changed.

 

[Katleya]

[cynical mode]
ASDs don't sell drugs.
[/cynical mode]

...and welcome to AC.

This is equal parts funny and tragic, but sadly I think it's very true.
Just like you, years ago, I thought I was reading an autobiography that somebody would have written without me knowing. Except I'm female, so that may have accounted for diagnostic lapses. I suppose many so-called specialists have theoretical knowledge --not all of them, of course--, and some will discard anyone who is not a textbook case.
In my case, when I read my results, I was one point past the cutoff in communications skills, but that's really what I project more than what it's like inside. It also shows we can learn and adapt, I think.
As for doctors misdiagnosing us for countless other things, this takes us back to what Crossbreed wrote. It's just not a condition you can sell expensive drugs for, so why bother when you can diagnose something from the DSM that results in a prescription for a super expensive drugs? At least it keeps drug manufacturers happy...
I've been on antidepressants and antianxiety drugs for years, to no avail. I've even spent a year on a brand new drug to treat schizophrenia. Spoiler alert: I'm neither bipolar nor schizophrenic... and it's fair to say anyone who struggles so much with being accepted in society, and deals with rejection on a daily basis, would have anxiety.

That being said, I wonder if the fact that many specialists are NT doesn't play a part, too. They'll think of whatever is part of their world first... and maybe don't understand the nuances of ASD like we do.

Long story short: welcome, you're in the right place!

 

[Dale C]

The instant I realized everything that I was reading were pieces to a puzzle I've never been told existed. The song,"'I've looked at life from both sides now"rang, like a chorus in my head.

 

[Gritches]

That's exactly why I tell people not to rely solely on expert opinion when it comes to mental stuff. That works well with medical doctors and issues of blood and flesh, but a relationship with a mental healthcare provider should be a two-way street. Healthcare providers could help that by encouraging self-education, but they almost always induce their patients to be totally reliant on them instead.

But yeah, isn't that awesome, reading about autism for the first time? Enjoy that feeling; you found an answer and it's a big one.

I was a little freaked out personally; it sounded like someone was describing me, specifically.

 

[mw2530]

These so called specialists had to learn about aspergers from courses they took and from reading books. They may have studied the condition for many hours but w/out experiencing it firsthand it is difficult to understand what is going on. We have lived with the condition our whole lives. Everyday, all day. Therefore, we know it inside out. We all should have PHD's in autism. My biggest complaint with all the autism awareness is that researchers and specialists do not seem to reach out to adults with autism to learn more about the condition. Not only them but educators as well. I think they just assume we aren't aware of what is going on. We have such a wealth of knowledge from personal experience. We know what works and what does not. If only they would work with people autism and ask us our opinion on things and actually LISTEN to us imagine what could be done. It is said that those with autism don't listen well. Well maybe we would if someone would actually listen to what we have to say for a change. And not simply write off our thoughts, feelings, and opinions. That's a big reason why we end up shutting out the world. I think there are many simple solutions to our problems. Sometimes the best solution to an enormously complex problem is a simple one.

 

[WereBear]

We all should have PHD's in autism. My biggest complaint with all the autism awareness is that researchers and specialists do not seem to reach out to adults with autism to learn more about the condition. Not only them but educators as well. I think they just assume we aren't aware of what is going on.

YESYESYES

Just in the months since my diagnosis, I have suggested it to two people I know; and they do seem to have it.

We have an ocean of expertise which is not being tapped.

 

[toothless]

YESYESYES

Just in the months since my diagnosis, I have suggested it to two people I know; and they do seem to have it.

We have an ocean of expertise which is not being tapped.

i actually agree with this,and in an ideal world,id love to be an autism specialist;assessing adults and children on the spectrum,butt i wouldnt be able to do a degree let alone masters which you need.
one of my cousins doctors actually thanked me from ireland and said he thinks i should be an autism specialist because i helped him understand the complex autism my cousin experiences-i had wrote a huge message all about autism and how it fits my cousin so he understands him, after testing he was diagnosed with high functioning classic autism, before that he had been diagnosed as having pyschosis with autistic traits;for him it was a bull sht diagnosis.
autism is one of my specialist subjects.

 

[mw2530]

YESYESYES

Just in the months since my diagnosis, I have suggested it to two people I know; and they do seem to have it.

We have an ocean of expertise which is not being tapped.

I agree with you in being to easily identify it in others. I am able to recognize autistic tendencies in individuals almost immediately. I suspect others can detect something is "off" or "different" after first meeting someone who has autistic tendencies, but isn't likely to be able to identify that it is actually autism. I have not had the balls to actually suggest to anyone that they likely have autism. I'm not sure how they would react. I suspect many of them know it anyway. I think I could suggest it to a friend, but it would be difficult to suggest a coworker or someone I did not know very well.

To add to the point that we are experts in this area is to take this analogy. Let's say you wanted to train for and run a marathon. Who would you ask advice from? Someone who has read about how to train for or taken classes on how to train and run a marathon. Or someone who has actually trained and ran a marathon. Clearly, you would choose the person who has actually completed the marathon. Experience is the best educator, although often time the harshest form of education.