Asperger’s diagnosis?
Question by The Aspie has left the Planet: Asperger’s diagnosis?
I am an adult male with an informal diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. This from a Psychologist friend who did not specialize in the area.
I don’t know if a formal diagnosis is worth my money–don’t have a clue what the financial damage would be–me being very lean $ $ at the moment.
I’m sure fees vary from one area to the next. I’m in Colorado Springs.
Anyone have recommendations or opinions?
Is it worth my getting a formal diagnosis? What are the benefits?
How much will it cost me?
.
Thanks so far, guys!
I wouldn’t be going for any kind of formal treatment. I’m self-taught in my little NT behaviors. LOL
Best answer:
Answer by Van Bo
I don’t see a benefit to getting a formal diagnosis. You would see a Psychologist (a Psychiatrist requires referral and charges more) at least 3 times, take 4 – 6 hours of testing, including MMPI, and learn a lot more than you think. But I don’t know why, unless you think that you want to follow a course of treatment, including meds or cognitive therapy. It is not likely that you could be certified permanently totally disabled for any benefits. The first part with testing and results may cost $ 800 – $ 1,000. There should be a free clinic for the preliminaries.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
The diagnosis is only worth anything if you need it for work or some other place to get help. If your symptoms are about to get you fired, or such, I would get the diagnosis, so that you are assisted under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Otherwise, if you know you have the Asperger’s syndrome, then you are already 85% on the way to understanding. Now you need to research it and find out how you fit in the spectrum and what resources are in your area.
Check out the website: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/asperger.html for the ADA stuff that may help you.
Then think about the formal diagnosis. What will it really do?
Look into the disability office in your area. Some states accept Asperger’s as Autism, some do not. California does not. (in 2012, the nomenclature Asperger’s will probably be removed from the DSM, and we all will be labeled autistic)
Good Luck