Diagnosis in adulthood can be a mixed blessing and some people decide that they are happy with self-diagnosis.
The usual way to get a formal diagnosis is to go to your GP and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, preferably one with experience of diagnosing autism.
Here are some tips on how to present your case so that your doctor can see why you might have Asperger syndrome and why having a diagnosis could be helpful.
(In this article, the term Asperger syndrome or AS includes all forms of high-functioning autism.)
Talking to your doctor
Make sure the diagnosis is the only thing you are seeing your doctor about. If you try to drop it into a consultation about another subject, they may not address it fully. A good way to bring up the subject is to mention that you have been reading about autism or Asperger syndrome or you have been in touch with the National Autistic Society.
Describing your experiences
AS is characterised by the triad of impairments. People with AS will be affected in some way by each of these impairments. The autistic spectrum is very broad and two people with the condition may have very different symptoms. No one will have all the traits but most people with AS usually have problems in the following three areas.
Social communication: difficulty understanding gestures, body language and facial expressions, a lack of social motivation and difficulties making friends.
Social understanding: difficulties in group situations, problems understanding double meanings and jokes, and choosing topics that are not appropriate to talk about.
Imagination: difficulty with imagining alternative outcomes and finding it hard to predict what will happen next. This frequently leads to anxiety and can show itself as:
- an obsession with rigid routines and severe distress if routines are disrupted,
- problems making plans for the future, and
- problems with sequencing tasks.
Secondary traits of Asperger syndrome
People with AS tend to have difficulties which relate to the triad but are not included within it. These can include: obsessive compulsive behaviours, obsessive interests in just one topic, social phobias, acute anxiety, depression, social isolation and clumsiness, often linked to a condition known as dyspraxia.
The doctor's reaction
You don't need to describe every single one of these features to your doctor. Your doctor may be more likely to respond if you give one good example from each area of the triad. Once you have explained why you think you have AS, show your doctor the National Autistic Society’s website.
If your doctor disagrees with your argument, ask for the reason why. If you don't feel comfortable discussing their decision there and then, ask for another appointment to talk it through.
Why you may need a diagnosis
Diagnosis in adulthood can have advantages and disadvantages. Some people are happy with self-diagnosis and decide not to ask for a formal diagnosis. For those that do want a diagnosis, there are a variety of benefits.
Understanding yourself
Often, people with autism have known that they have specific difficulties for a long time without being able to explain them. They may even have been misdiagnosed. A firm diagnosis can be a relief because it allows them to learn about their condition and understand for the first time why they have difficulties.
Gaining the understanding of others
Many people suffer the consequences of being constantly misunderstood. Often, the fact that someone has AS can lead to teasing, bullying and social isolation. When the people close to you understand that there is a reason for your difficulties, it is much easier for them to empathise with you.
Receiving the right services for your needs
Adults with AS may need support with day-to-day living. Once you've had a diagnosis, you can access autism-specific services, such as the Prospects Employment Service that is run by the National Autistic Society.
Joining the AS community
It can be helpful to meet other people who have the condition in order to learn about their experiences and share your own. There are some support groups available for this, such as Asperger United, which publishes a newsletter written by people with AS for people with AS.
You can find more useful websites about AS on the National Autistic Society's website. You do not have to have a diagnosis of AS to get access to this support.