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Diagnosis Journal — thoughts?

I

itsme

Well-Known Member
I've read, highlighted, and annotated Tony Attwood's Complete Guide to Asperger's based on how I feel I can most relate to his scenarios and explanations. I've also taken several of the available tests online and scored highly (within the spectrum).

My question is, do you think it's worth putting together a journal citing examples from books and resources and how I think my own personal experiences relate back to them? Or even printing out and sharing test scores with a doctor/specialist?

I'm skeptical if doing this is worth my time, or if the doctor will think I'm "trying too hard" to convince him/her. I suppose it depends on the nature of the doctor, but I'd be curious if anyone else has ever sought a diagnosis "with documentation in hand", as it were.

Thank you for your input.
 
I think if it helps you understand yourself more, then it's definitely worth doing. You don't need to do this just for a doctor's benefit.
 
No, I realize that. But I'm pedantic and meticulous, and would prefer a proper diagnosis IF it fit rather than a self diagnosis. (No disrespect to those who have self-diagnosed, I speak only for myself.)

I just wonder if a detailed journal would help make a professional diagnosis go more smoothly.

I'm also interested in others' stories of diagnosis, especially those diagnosed as adults. How'd it go, what did it entail, etc. So much information relates to children that it's difficult to find relatable material, hence my original journal question.
 
I did something similar. I took both the diagnostic criteria for Aspergers Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (from DSM V) and wrote out examples from both my present life and my childhood pertaining to each critera.

The first batch of mental health professionals that I went to see about a diagnosis found it incredibly helpful that I had such insight into my life and myself and did what I did. Seeing as that's all they really have to go on along with personality tests and intelligence inventories, I think it provided both them and the psychologist who did diagnose me (in a different practice) a much clearer picture for diagnosis.

I think it's a good idea for you to do just on your own so you can get to know yourself and your quirks in a whole new light. But don't be afraid to take that journal in if you are seeking official diagnosis status. It can only help.
 
I would be cautious. In my experience most 'professional experts' don't seem to like the client being too knowledgable. You do find the occasional one who will appreciate the effort however. Having said that, I haven't been 'diagnosed'.
 
zurb said:
I would be cautious. In my experience most 'professional experts' don't seem to like the client being too knowledgable. You do find the occasional one who will appreciate the effort however. Having said that, I haven't been 'diagnosed'.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
 
zurb said:
I would be cautious. In my experience most 'professional experts' don't seem to like the client being too knowledgable. You do find the occasional one who will appreciate the effort however. Having said that, I haven't been 'diagnosed'.
Click to expand...
I agree... Somewhat. I also think any professional that has an issue with that is a quack not worth seeing. If any professional has a problem with me doing self guided research just to help them help me, then I take it as a sign I need to go elsewhere. They aren't mind readers and it genuinely helps if you can meet them halfway. If they don't like that it's usually because they've got a god complex going on.

One important factor though is be very careful not to go in all like "I have Aspergers and here's the proof." That will not go well with ANY professional, LOL. But it helps if you can explain what you felt was wrong enough to go on a hunt, what made you identify with the diagnosis, etc. While remaining respectful that they are the ultimate experts on diagnosis.
 
rollerskate said:
I agree... Somewhat. I also think any professional that has an issue with that is a quack not worth seeing. If any professional has a problem with me doing self guided research just to help them help me, then I take it as a sign I need to go elsewhere. They aren't mind readers and it genuinely helps if you can meet them halfway. If they don't like that it's usually because they've got a god complex going on.

One important factor though is be very careful not to go in all like "I have Aspergers and here's the proof." That will not go well with ANY professional, LOL. But it helps if you can explain what you felt was wrong enough to go on a hunt, what made you identify with the diagnosis, etc. While remaining respectful that they are the ultimate experts on diagnosis.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's very helpful. Leaning more toward the journal for my own insights and not mentioning it specifically to any professionals.
 
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