Post by talusjumper on Mar 10, 2012 12:17:20 GMT -5
This diagnosis occurred July, 2011 and thought I would share it here in case anyone else had a similar experience. After studying and suspecting Asperger's for 10 years, I was hoping the process would give me some closure but it actually made things more confusing.
After going through the expense and difficulties, what I did learn from all this is that the key is to find a therapist/ psychologists that specializes in adults with autism spectrum disorders. I made the mistake of going to a major university with the assumption that I would at least get to see an experienced professor, what I got was master level students. I never did see an instructor at any level.
In a way, it was a slightly better knowing there was at least some explanation for the way I was but in other ways, it ended up worse. I never did fit in and now this diagnosis tells me I don't even fit in with the Asperger group.
Below is my posting on another forum that I wrote immediately after my diagnoses...
I have officially been diagnosed with PDD-NOS. I am actually more confused than I was before the diagnosis- apparently, the diagnosis process only takes about 20% of the Asperger's symptoms that are shown online into account. By DSM-IV, I believe I fully qualify for Asperger's, however, ADOS testing doesn't reflect the same symptoms. I suspect that ADOS testing Module 4 is either very subjective or not very good with older adults like me. I feel I have about 80% or so of the difficulties typical to Asperger Syndrome people (as I have read in various books, on forums, my diagnosed brother, etc)., however, apparently, I don't "act" like I have it (physical tics, reciprocal conversation and empathy) and this disqualifies me.
The report seems to conflict all over the place, shows Asperger's symptoms everywhere then concludes with PDD-NOS, then recommends that I read multiple Asperger books. Why would a therapist recommend aspie books to someone they don't believe has Aspergers? Besides, reading and relating to multiple books put me there in the first place!
It brought on insomnia and depression. Not because I was wanting to have AS, but more because I still have no idea where I stand and still don't fit in. So much for clarity and closure.
Just wonder if anyone else on here has followed a similar path and can relate?
After going through the expense and difficulties, what I did learn from all this is that the key is to find a therapist/ psychologists that specializes in adults with autism spectrum disorders. I made the mistake of going to a major university with the assumption that I would at least get to see an experienced professor, what I got was master level students. I never did see an instructor at any level.
In a way, it was a slightly better knowing there was at least some explanation for the way I was but in other ways, it ended up worse. I never did fit in and now this diagnosis tells me I don't even fit in with the Asperger group.
Below is my posting on another forum that I wrote immediately after my diagnoses...I have officially been diagnosed with PDD-NOS. I am actually more confused than I was before the diagnosis- apparently, the diagnosis process only takes about 20% of the Asperger's symptoms that are shown online into account. By DSM-IV, I believe I fully qualify for Asperger's, however, ADOS testing doesn't reflect the same symptoms. I suspect that ADOS testing Module 4 is either very subjective or not very good with older adults like me. I feel I have about 80% or so of the difficulties typical to Asperger Syndrome people (as I have read in various books, on forums, my diagnosed brother, etc)., however, apparently, I don't "act" like I have it (physical tics, reciprocal conversation and empathy) and this disqualifies me.
The report seems to conflict all over the place, shows Asperger's symptoms everywhere then concludes with PDD-NOS, then recommends that I read multiple Asperger books. Why would a therapist recommend aspie books to someone they don't believe has Aspergers? Besides, reading and relating to multiple books put me there in the first place!
It brought on insomnia and depression. Not because I was wanting to have AS, but more because I still have no idea where I stand and still don't fit in. So much for clarity and closure.
Just wonder if anyone else on here has followed a similar path and can relate?
