What Made Me Suspect I Have Asperger Syndrome
At the age of 40 I was watching a review about the movie "Adam", and the reviewers were talking about Adam having Asperger Syndrome. I could relate to the description of Adam, and many of Adam's characteristics that were described were similar to experiences that I have had.
I hadn't heard anything about Asperger Syndrome prior to this, and from the brief description about it in the movie review I felt that maybe I suffer from it. I thought that it may be an answer to why I have felt different and out of place in the world we live in.
So my search to learn more about Asperger Syndrome began.
How I Diagnosed Myself
Straight away I searched the internet for more information on Aspergers Syndrome. I read stories from other Aspies, and related to most of them. I read articles published by leading authorities on the subject, and started to get an understanding of the symptoms that are displayed.
I found myself relating my childhood experiences with Asperger's symptoms, and strongly believed that I may have Asperger Syndrome. It seemed like an answer had been unravelled.
Next steps were to find an Adult Asperger Assessment on the internet, which I completed, and from this I determined that it was very likely that I suffered from Asperger Syndrome. However I couldn't be fully certain of this self diagnosis, as it was possible that I was talking myself into it. I needed to find out from a specialist to be sure.
I made an appointment with a specialist to be professionally diagnosed, and to know for certain one way or the other. I had to wait 6 weeks for the appointment, and this 6 weeks was probably one of the least constructive periods in my life. I immersed myself in my self diagnosis, and it was constantly on my mind. I still was uncertain as to whether I had it or not, but I let myself function as if I did.
Finally the day arrived for the assessment, and I met up with my best friend whom I've known for 35 years. He was taking part in the assessment with me, giving an external perspective on me during my life. We had a coffee and chat and then went to the assessment.
Spent the next 2 hours in the assessment, and at the end of the session the diagnosis was that although I didn't have Asperger Syndrome, I was close to that end of the spectrum. I kind of felt deflated at this stage, cause I had worked myself up so much beforehand.
In the days after the assessment my life went back to normal again, and my previously overwhelming interest in Asperger Syndrome reduced significantly. I still wonder if I do have it or not at times, but am glad that I had the assessment and was professionally diagnosed.
Advice
- Seek a professional diagnosis - it can help when your mind is working overtime on your self diagnosis.
