Why do we seek adult diagnoses?

[Bay]

Here is a sensitively written article about seeking an AS diagnosis as an adult. Like many people, the author self-diagnosed after getting a diagnosis for her son, but eventually sought an official diagnosis for herself. She discusses the reasons why she did so, and I found that I could relate to much of what she said. Her point about how the diagnosis removed a sense of self-doubt that pervaded much of her life resonated deeply with me. Here is the link Why (and how to) pursue an adult autism diagnosis | Washington Times Communities

 

[total-recoil]

I've heard some confusion arises over diagnosis. You know I did see two psychologists back in the eighties when I was having far more problems than I do today. They diagnosed depression and anxiety. Now I feel absolutely certain of the following: If an individual doesn't relate to his environment, this creates a stress. We function as part of a large social group where acceptance by others is fundamental to happinesss and wellbeing. This is the same for wolves (I'm involved with GSD dogs where socialisation is fundamental to inhibiting aggression or timidness). Sorry if I'm rambling. To the point: I would feel that it would have to be a specific psychoanalyst to attempt diagnosis for aspergers since it was never raised in any way for me in the past. Yet now I know any depression and anxiety was only a result of socialisation issues which is a root cause.
Still not clear about gaps between adult and childhood symptoms. If I put together my childhood symptoms with adult symptoms, I would seem to fit totally into the diagnostic bracket for aspergers. If purely adult, there are some symptoms I don't quite relate to.
I think I will try and get some sort of diagnosis but will be careful who is involved.

 

[Bay]

It is unlikely that Asperger Syndrome would have been raised in the 1980s, as few were aware of it. I think that you are saying that the stress and anxiety stemming from difficulties in functioning successfully in the world around you would naturally give rise to depression? If so, I agree with you.

 

[total-recoil]

Of course it would and we agree. In fact, I had to ask myself a very hard question and it runs as follows: Do I really wish to be blended into society and social norms in order to avoid the stress brought about by being different? I have to reply no. I like being different and more so independent. I don't want to disappear into the large mass of uniformity. I notice I can look at subjects and make observations without being influenced by social indoctrination.
Life would be simpler if you just thought the same as everybody else so they could accept you as part of the group. At what price though?
From the little I now know of aspergers, I don't see it as in any way a defect.

 

[Arashi222]

Personally I probably wouldn't have gotten a diagnosis had it not been for my internship and my supervisor pointing it out to me. The diagnosis wasn't available for those us in our 30's or older when we were at most diagnosable ages. It as all Autism or Learning disabilities and such. I don't mind having a diagnosis because it takes pressure off of me to realize that I am different and that its ok and I can function within society in my own way. I think for me it came at a good time because being an adult I can go back and look at all the things that were AS symptoms, all the things I have had to work at and now realize that on some of them I won't change and people can like me or not I have to protect myself that is all.