I got my Aspergers diagnosis today

[Cailleach]

(I have also posted this in Parents with Disabilities but I'm aware that it may apply here too...so...here it is.)

Well, that was surprisingly easy; no muss, no fuss, as they say. Took about three months from start to finish.

I am posting this because I know some of you were thinking of being referred for a diagnosis and you may want to know what the process involves.

I wrote a letter to my GP, (outlining my lifelong difficulties which are mainly social but also sensory plus possible signs of a genetic link), who read it in silence and then said "hmmm, yes I think you definitely are." Was then seen by a counsellor who asked me lots of questions, also said "hmmm, yes I think you are too." Was then referred to a psychologist chappy who went through my whole life history (took my Mum along and he asked her lots of stuff too, mainly about babyhood / childhood.)

And then he said "yep, you're ASD alright..."

So there we are. Hey ho. Now being referred for something ominous-sounding called "post diagnosis counselling".

Was such a huge relief when he told me: it does make so many things startlingly clear. Also feel a bit of a fool that I have nearly got to 36 years of age without realising all this. Quel muppet, eh? (Apparently this lack of insight into yourself is common with ASD.)

I feel a bit shell-shocked really, even though I knew what he was going to say.

Think the gin may come out tonight: I may even whack some lemon in it.

[AngiBolen]

I would say congratulations, but not sure if that is the right response.

Well done, though!

3 months is good going.

And well done for getting this far in life without a diagnosis. You must have had it tougher than a lot of young people today, who are (hopefully) more understood by their teachers/those around them.

[Cailleach]

Thanks Angi.

I remember a boy in my year at school who was labelled a "trouble-maker" but looking back he had all the classic signs of ADHD.

We always got on well together but the teachers hated him. He was bright, never actually hurt anyone with his outbursts, but was constantly being excluded for being disruptive in class.

Twenty-plus years ago, there really wasn't the understanding of ASD, ADHD etc. I often wonder what happened to him. :(

[msrisotto]

In the post diagnostic counselling they'll probably just ask you how you feel about it all.