Self-Diagnosing

[Varzar]

Hi Noah, welcome. Many people here are self-diagnosed and you are unlikely to encounter anyone on this forum who does not accept you because of it. This is a very inclusive, helpful and supportive forum. I began with self-diagnosis and have recently had a formal assessment. Where I live getting an assessment as an adult is difficult and costs quite a lot so not everyone has access to a formal diagnosis. My psychologist told me that 4/5 of the adults she has seen for an autism assessment turned out to be autistic and the 4 who were autistic had initially self-diagnosed, whereas the fifth person (also an adult) was brought for assessment by parents who suspected autism. Trust your self-knowledge and your ability to research this topic. As you learn more you will discover that the term Aspergers is no longer an official diagnosis though some people who were given that diagnosis still use it. I believe it was discontinued in North America before being discontinued in the UK but I am not sure about elsewhere in the world.

Just out of curiosity, since we're practically neighbours and it sounds like you've looked into it more than I have... Do you know how much it costs here to get a diagnosis for adults?
Also, hello from the Kootenays!

 

[Clueless in Canada]

'Do you know how much it costs here to get a diagnosis for adults?
Also, hello from the Kootenays! '

Hi Varzar! I'm on Vancouver Island and had my assessment in Nanaimo. I do not need a report that indicates accommodations for school or employment so that saves a little bit of money and makes the total roughly $3000.00. I believe there is a psychiatrist at UBC who diagnosis and that is probably covered but most of us in BC have to pay a psychologist and wait lists tend to be a year long. I contacted Autism BC but got very little help. I've also heard that Autism BC is not much better than Autism Speaks.

 

[BrokenBoy]

You shouldn't self diagnose unless diagnosis is financially unviable.

 

[Varzar]

'Do you know how much it costs here to get a diagnosis for adults?
Also, hello from the Kootenays! '

Hi Varzar! I'm on Vancouver Island and had my assessment in Nanaimo. I do not need a report that indicates accommodations for school or employment so that saves a little bit of money and makes the total roughly $3000.00. I believe there is a psychiatrist at UBC who diagnosis and that is probably covered but most of us in BC have to pay a psychologist and wait lists tend to be a year long. I contacted Autism BC but got very little help. I've also heard that Autism BC is not much better than Autism Speaks.

Wow.. That is definitely not something I care to spend $3000 on..

 

[Clueless in Canada]

Wow.. That is definitely not something I care to spend $3000 on..

It isn't a fee that many people can manage and I am only managing it with help. My reason for pursing diagnosis includes the fact that I do struggle with executive functioning and overwhelm enough for it to effect my life and make independence difficult and I will not always have the family support I currently do have.

 

[Varzar]

It isn't a fee that many people can manage and I am only managing it with help. My reason for pursing diagnosis includes the fact that I do struggle with executive functioning and overwhelm enough for it to effect my life and make independence difficult and I will not always have the family support I currently do have.

Fair enough.. Does it actually result in you getting some help/support through our government/health care system? What sort of support would you be able to get?
I guess I don't think I need support.. But, maybe I just don't know what would help..

 

[Clueless in Canada]

Fair enough.. Does it actually result in you getting some help/support through our government/health care system? What sort of support would you be able to get?
I guess I don't think I need support.. But, maybe I just don't know what would help..

There is no actual support available at this time but I am anticipating that in another decade there might be and diagnosis requires a living relative who knew me well in childhood so I don't want to put it off until my parents are dead. Autistic trait: planning ahead.