Where would I go to get diagnosed near Kansas City?

[undertheradar]

So my wife and I have talked about getting diagnosed, we feel like they're just too many symptoms to ignore, and honestly I've never felt that something made more sense

This would be an adult(me)

But what we don't know, is how we start that process I live in Kansas near Kansas City

I will say this we're uninsured, so that's kind of a scary prospect but... Honestly I need to know

 

[Neonatal RRT]

The first thing that popped up in Google "Adult autism diagnosis in Kansas City":
To request a screening for autism spectrum disorder in Kansas City, you can call 913-588-1227 or request an appointment online1. The following centers provide diagnosis, treatment, and training for autism in Kansas City2:

• MU-Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Phone: 573-882-6081 or 1-888-720-0015.
• Knights of Columbus Developmental Center, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. Phone: 314-577-5609.
• Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics Developmental and Behavioral Sciences.

https://autism.ku.edu/

 

[Neonatal RRT]

An autism diagnosis should not be seen as "scary", but rather, a "relief". Putting your life into a more accurate context and perspective can make you feel a bit better knowing that "Perhaps I'm not a failed neurotypical. I'm autistic."

As far as the costs associated with an official diagnosis, take the time to talk with the office staff, because there may be ways to get discounts, special State funding, or special medical coding that will save you some money.

Inquire about how the diagnosis is achieved. It is often helpful to have some cognitive performance testing, as well as your interview and written testing.

Take the time to create a Word file, or the like, with all of your signs, symptoms, experiences, etc. This will keep your mind on track during the interview. I actually gave a printed copy to the psychologist. Make it your "You might be autistic if,..." list. I had 172 things on my list,...crazy,...perhaps a bit overkill, but do take some time with it prior to your appointment.

 

[Slime_Punk]

You could always find a specialist! After being through a bit of a ringer to get my diagnosis, I've found that it's definitely more beneficial to go to someone who's well-versed in ASD rather than someone who's more of a jack of all trades. In my experience, the latter tends to ignore a lot of higher-functioning people (I've been deemed 'not autistic' by professionals who had limited understanding of ASD) but obviously, YMMV and sometimes it's just better to go somewhere local / cheaper in many scenarios for starters. Death by option paralysis is also not recommended!

More importantly, don't give up and continue to advocate for yourself, if you can -- sometimes it takes a few tries, or in my experience it can take literal years, but I don't regret finally knowing the truth and I get this feeling you won't, either.