I really think I might have AS | Autism PDD
The following is a really good web site:
There are links to a couple of message boards. Many of the posters are not formally diagnosed, and they don't intend to get diagnosed because they are not seeking services.
I wonder If I'm on the spectrum too...I'm shy and not very social. i prefer to spend time by myself that to go out with others. I am feeling like I could start pushing myself. I don't want to go to social skills class either.
You guys are too funny about the social skills class
I don't think anyone needs a dx if they are functioning really well in their
lives, and are only mildly affected.
On the other hand, there is a large population of adults who need resources,
social skills groups, therapy, vocational and occupational therapy, etc. Also,
they can be really REALLY releived to have an answer as to why they have
always had such a difficult time. It can help them understand themselves
better.
No matter what kind of school you went to, it is unlikely you would have been diagnosed since Aspergers didn't join the DSM diagnostic manual until 1994, and it's still not exactly a household word.
Here's an article on getting a diagnosis as an adult in the UK. Might not completely apply to the US, but it does give some food for thought about what the benefits of a diagnosis might be. Frankly, I didn't see much tangible benefit to an official diagnosis over a self-diagnosis.
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1045&a=3341
Diagnostic checklists for adults:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=128&a=6730 - 11 question screening test for adults
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html - Simon Baron-Cohen's Autism-Spectrum Quotient quiz for adults
http://www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php - a longer questionnaire.
Good luck with everything.
I got a diagnosis for three reasons.
1: To explain to people officially why I have difficulties in some areas (though I do speak of the positives as well).
2: To know for sure myself.
3: To be able to offer help and support to parents of children of the spectrum without fretting I might be giving the wrong advice. I know there are plenty of self diagnosed adults who could easily get a diagnosis but choose not to, but for me having confirmation from someone else helped to settle things.
After careful consideration I've decided not to go for an official diagnosis myself. My ex husband is just the type of person to use that against me one day. Like a previous poster said, right now I'm "normal" even if it's just on paper lol. I did find an online support group for self diagnosed aspies. Not sure if I'll be on there as much as I am here, but it helped just to read some of the posts there. I wanna thank WiMomOf2 for leading me there.
I do not intend to get a diagnosis. I think I am Aspie, my late father was Aspie, my DH is HFA, and I have a brother who is HFA ...
There is also a range of normalcy and, really, does it matter whether you are NEAR the spectrum, or on it? Information about ASDs can STILL provide you with self-insight, and insight about your interactions with others, that can help you to function better in your life.
Why pay someone and get it into an insurance file permanently, especially if you are not having any difficulties legally or work-wise, that you might use a dx for?
I would not get a formal dx... I think it could be used against a person.
As a mother, I feel it would make me very vulnerable. It could be used in court by a spouse, or by social workers. Right now, at least on paper I'm completely sane and "normal" and I intend to stay that way until my kids move out. Maybe that's unfounded, but I was taken away from my mother.
Also, dx's can effect whether you get organ transplants. And, who knows what else... I may have to disclose it an employer or it may effect my insurance. So I'll keep on trying not to "look" too conspicuous.
I also don't want to go to social skills class either.
But what good would a dx serve us? Do you want to go to Social Skills
Classes? ugh! 
I need to go somewhere & get an objective diagnosis - I do not want to tell them that my DS has HFA/ AS unless I absolutely have to. I just don't want it to bias the dx, but I really feel like I may have had it my whole life. Esp since getting the high score on the Asperger symptoms, and when I think back on my life, all these little things - I went to a different school almost every year, and it was a private Lutheran School. I just know they would not have caught a diagnosis like that. I really don't want to know, on one hand. But on the other, for my son's sake, if I do have it than it will give me a lot of hope for hi because of what I have been able accomplish, although I know I am much higher functioning & do not have the challenges he does.
Ok TY for "listening". Anyone know what is involved in the adult dx process?
i was the same
aspergers was not around when i was mall so i was classed has mad,crazy unteachable
i would say go get a dx
it explains to your soul
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