Diagnosis

[timefactor]

I've decided to seek some advice about my daughter, 16....pretty certain she is at the very least on the spectrum. Likely aspergers. To make a long story short she has seen one neurologist who, without myself so much as mentioning my opinion of her having aspergers, said she is extremely "aspergers" socially, in addition to other characteristics she has. However because she does not stem she withheld officially diagnosing her as such. I left it at that for some time but feel in my heart she actually is on the spectrum and would benefit from an official diagnosis.
I'd like some input from of you on your experience with this. Must you "stem" to actually be on the spectrum?....I'm so confused on whether or not to go to a different practitioner for a second opinion.

 

[Rocco]

Stim, or stimulation, I'm my opinion, can manifest itself in a multitude of ways. It may not be as obvious as arm flapping or rocking. Some ways I stim by scrunching my nose, rubbing each finger in sequence, toe/ foot curling, leg shaking/bouncing, and making vocal noises/ sound effects, smoking...
I don't feel this should be make or break in diagnosis, but I am not a medical professional.
Welcome to the community. Best wishes

 

[timefactor]

**she does regularly fold a grasp of hair over and rub with her thumb. She has always done this but apparently the neuologist didn't consider this steming.

 

[Rocco]

A second opinion could be helpful, or perhaps you could talk with the doctor and explain your views and opinions concerning diagnosis. I'm certain other will be along soon to give better info. There are several information sections on this site, in addition to a resources section.
Good luck

 

[wyverary]

At her age, yes, an official diagnosis could prove especially useful. Given the right therapy and maybe some accommodations with school, both of which might necessitate an "official" diagnosis (though in the real world, among practicing psychologists, "official" diagnoses are rarely adhered to...it's mostly for insurance purposes). If she has access to such services, it will help her nurture her gifts and help her navigate this scary world we live in. I don't know what country you reside in, or what kind of insurance you have, but even if you have to pay for the evaluation out of pocket it might be worth it in the long run.

Have you mentioned any of this to your daughter? What does she think?

 

[timefactor]

She actually has some "accommodations" in school already. She is severly dyslexic and has learning disability, she has worked very hard and reads well now. But she is so socially different and her lack of eye contact doesn't deal with crowds etc. really hampers her. I am not one to say (without diagnosis) "she has autism or aspergers" without official diagnosis. I think people, teachers would be able to help her if they knew what to expect. At this point she's just the "weird" kid that dissappears in the back of the class...in the hall. Won't approach people. ...look them in the eye. I don't like labels...they can be bad sometimes but I think it would help her perhaps.

 

[Tom]

Hi & Welcome,
Its usually recommended that you have a psychologist or psychiatrist involved in the diagnosis process.

 

[zurb]

Aspergers is not a 'tick all the boxes' diagnosis, but a 'tick the majority'. Not all aspies have all symptoms, however, some clinicians seem to pick up one one item or another and zoom up on it to disprove the diagnosis.
You might like to have a look at what other stims she might have. Often we're not aware of them until we start looking. There's a few threads here about stimming. Or you could look at The Stimming Checklist | there's a flap for that