If one thinks she may have Asperger's, what should she do?

[bushisanidiot]

I've wanted to see a counselor for so long to get some help to figure out why
i'm the way i am. I just don't know if i am supposed to go to my doctor first
who would recommend me to someone so i can use my insurance, or should
i just seek out a counselor? i have been stuck and unable to make this decision
for a few years now. I thought i would try posting here to see if anyone
could give me some advice.

thank you.

-Deb

[msongs]

1. good for you to seek information. if using insurance you have to follow their steps AND

you could also seek information or counseling on your own outside your insurance if that would help you.

[bushisanidiot]

7. Thanks.

even if my insurance doesn't cover it, i do need to do something.
i've isolated myself for so long that i have lots of problems figuring out
how to maintain relationships and that has caused me to be depressed.
been suffering from whatever this is since i was a kid. i just want to
figure it out.

[Neaira]

2. Very Important: www.wrongplanet.net

Asperger's (unless something else is involved) is NOT something you should go to a doctor, or use your insurance, or even see a counselor for UNLESS THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE WHICH IS ALSO TRUE which would negate what I have just said.

Go to: www.wrongplanet.net, read the thousands of posts in the many forums there, and ask your questions there.

You will get informed and experienced answers from people (both Aspies and non-Aspies) who know.

All my best is going out to you.

Neaira

Edited to Add: This is my first post on DU. I obviously do not know how to type a link here. I did try, but it doesn't work the way I'm used to on other boards.

[kickysnana]

4. Welcome. Great link. n/t

[bushisanidiot]

5. Thanks. Looks like there is a lot to read there.

Welcome to DU!

[AAO]

10. Totally disagree with "don't see a Doctor".

You need to see a doctor, usually a psychiatrist, to get a positive diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. There are many avenues to seek help, but without a diagnosis you would be very limited at what kind of help would be available.

As an example, although this may not apply to the OP, for children through High School, there are compensating tools available, such as note takers, tutors, recording devices, availability of recorded lectures, etc. These things usually require an IEP (Individualized Education Program) as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

As long as a student qualifies for special education, the IEP must be regularly maintained and updated over the student's primary educational years (i.e. up to the point of high school graduation, or prior to the 22nd birthday). If a student in special education attends university upon graduation, the university's own system and procedures take over.

[Marrah_G]

12. I disagree with the don't go to the doctor part

Asperger's is neurological and really needs a doctors diagnosis to find treatment and resources. Relying on people on a message board for help diagnosing is never wise. I see people talking online about how they have it because they took an online quiz. You wouldn't self diagnose yourself with diabetes.

[janlyn]

3. adult autism

Deb it would actually be based on your insurance. Mine doesn't require that I go through my primary doctor.I can see a specialist on my own. Check with your insurance co.
As to who to see, you don't need a counselor. You need to seek out a psychiatrist. Preferably one who specializes in autism related field. If you are in a big city your odds are good of finding one.most however specialize in diagnoses in children. Adults are harder to diagnose as we have developed coping mechanisms that hide our symptoms so to speak. It it not impossible however to get help. As an autistic I know first hand how overwhelming getting help can be, as is anything new in our world. Know that you are not alone and don't be afraid to seek help!

[bushisanidiot]

6. Thanks

I've never been good with insurance, but will try to figure out if it covers counseling or psychiatric services.

[rablrouzer]

8. What to do if you think you have Asperger's

Asperger's is neurological. Some of its symptoms may be overcome through stimulants that accelerate brain functiom

A neuro-psychologist can determine through testing whether you actually have Asperger's, and, if so, whether medication (ritalin) could help.

Many with Asperger's also have anxiety. Who wouldn't if, for example, you were "face blind" and couldn't tell friend from foe ?

Be glad of "Obamacare." Asperger's is listed as a "mental disorder" in DSM IV.

And until "Obamacare" resulted in automatic denial as a pre-existing condition.

It is possible to learn ways to cope and surmount the problems (most social) that accompany Asperger's. The earlier in life the better; in early childhood the best!

[SheilaT]

9. There are on-line sites that give lists of

traits associated with Asperger's. I think some of them have a checklist for those things.

What are you expecting to accomplish by getting a diagnosis? What do you expect your insurance might cover? Keep in mind that there's no cure and not even an actual treatment for Asperger's.

Actually, the very first thing you need to do is read your insurance policy, every single word. See what they cover. If they cover counseling, they may be extremely specific about what kind of counseling and for how long. But counseling isn't exactly something that helps with Asperger's. What helps is coaching in how to behave in social situations, at work, when out in public.

You also might want to see if there's some kind of local support group for people on the Autism spectrum, although those will mostly be focussed on parents of children on the spectrum.

You might also want to go on the internets to try to find a conference focussed on Asperger's. I can highly recommend that if possible you go to one where Tony Attwood will be speaking. I had the wonderful good fortune to attend one with him several years ago. He is totally amazing.

[Marrah_G]

11. Find a local hospital that does neuropsych evaluations.

Counselors aren't really trained to diagnose it from what I've found. Also wrongplanet.com scares the heck out of me. I went looking for message boards and websites and found that often it seemed from what I read, that many were self diagnosed with the idea that having Aspergers is like being one of the characters in the Big Bang Theory.

I wanted to add that it is more then just being "socially awkward" or "nerdy". It has to do with social interpretations, motors skills, sensory processing, visual spacial awareness, repetitive behaviors, etc.

http://archive.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers.html