How to pursue an "official" autism diagnosis?

May 2021 4 51 Report

How to pursue an "official" autism diagnosis?

My therapist and my psychiatrist have both told me that I have some sort of autism spectrum disorder (Asperger's or HFA specifically) but I don't think it's recorded anywhere in my medical records, legal documents, etc. I'll be applying to colleges next year and I figure having an "official" diagnosis might help me seek out accommodations like a single dorm and such.

Anyway, how do I go about getting an autism diagnosis that is legally recognized?

Education & Reference / Special Education

Verified answer

You want an official diagnosis for the perks? Not exactly something you want to advertise, but if you are autistic everyone knows anyways.

annie42

the label that gets you accommodations can also limit your choices. let's face it..people do not understand autism and may choose not to offer you opportunities based on that. you yourself seem to be limiting your opportunities off the bat...single dorm? Why? don't you want to learn to live with others? Do you plan on working in isolation...good luck with that ..not many jobs at all do that. I invite you to challenge yourself. Define your autism,,,don't let it define you. I am autistic (although almost all my life psychiatrists and counselors labelled me bipolar, even though every single one also said that I did not quite fit that designation.I finally realized what I had in my 40s). Meanwhile, in my 20s, I went to community college for an AA in applied Science with a major in nursing and had a successful career as a pediatric RN for over 20 years. Now I am back in college for my BA in art education. If you think my disability does not show, guess again, but I never let it limit me. Ask yourself...what do you gain and what do you lose by the label? I had a mental breakdown about eight years ago (when my beloved husband, whom I had known since I was17 stopped loving me) and then the drugs I took for depression gave me diabetes and other terrible side-effects, so I had to apply for disability just to stay alive. I am better now and hope to get back on that work horse in one year. Being on disability has greatly limited my dreams. I dreamt of being a foster parent or even adopting, and that will not happen now, because of a label. And now, all healthcare information is shared with insurance companies...what do you think obama-care is about? you are making decisions now, at a young age, that could limit you big-time, for life.