I Think I Might Be Autistic: A Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Self-Discovery for Adults by Cynthia Kim
Author:Cynthia Kim [Kim, Cynthia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Narrow Gauge
Published: 2013-06-07T17:00:00+00:00
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Finding the Right Provider
After doing extensive research, including everything listed above plus some fruitless things not included here, I came up with exactly two potential providers within a 50-mile radius of my major metropolitan city.
Armed with my very short list, I called the first providerâa psychiatrist whose name Iâd obtained from a major university. This didnât go as well as Iâd hoped. The doctor was extremely condescending and basically said, âAdult autism assessment is really expensive and I doubt you can afford it and why do you want it anyway?â
I gave a brief stuttering answer, hung up the phone shaking, and spent two weeks working up the courage to call the second and only other name on my list.
The second provider was a private neuropsychology practice specializing in cognitive testing for children and adults (primarily ADHD and ASD). To my great relief, the person who answered the phone didnât act like it was strange that I was calling to schedule an assessment for myself without any sort of referral. She didnât treat me like an idiot or become impatient with my questions.
I gathered the information about the testing process and said Iâd call back after thinking about it. The assessment was going to be a big investment and taking that final step was intimidating. Bizarrely, my biggest fear was that the tests would prove I didnât have Aspergerâs or that the psychologist would think I wasnât autistic enough to merit a diagnosis. Then Iâd be back to having no explanation for all the atypical things about me.
After a couple of days of thinking it over, I decided I definitely wanted to go forward. My husband was supportive of my decision and offered to come with me to the appointment if I wanted him to. I didnât take him up on the offer, but it felt good to know that he was 100% behind me.
Whatever path you take to finding someone who can evaluate you, know that it wonât likely be a direct route. Itâs okay to feel like the biggest first step you can manage is to bring up a list of results on the Pathfinders website. Maybe your next step is reading about the providers and a few days later you might gather the energy to start making a list of providers to call. It may take weeks or months to start making those calls and yet more months to commit to meeting with a professional or scheduling an assessment.
Take your time. Ask for support from a trusted person in your life if you feel comfortable doing so. Getting diagnosed can be an uphill climb. Pace yourself.
Finding a Professional who Works with Adults
Be prepared to do a lot of research.
Look for psychologists, psychiatrists or neuropsychologists who are experienced in diagnosing adults with ASD.
If you have to get a referral from a primary care doctor, be prepared to advocate for yourself.
If the cost of diagnosis is prohibitive, look for alternatives to private providers.
Be patient and go forward at your own pace.
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