Been told I *may* have very mild aspergers. Advice please

Nikki

Minxy_Bella wrote: »

I once taught a kid who was very individual, bit of a loner, bit swotty, invaded your personal space a bit but we all accepted him for who he was, no big deal. One visiting doctor asked me when this kid had been diagnosed with Asperger's and it really annoyed me that she'd put him into a square box and dismissed his personality instantly. I must be an old hippy but it's the individual that I care about, not the 'condition' found in a textbook and it sounds like life is good for you, so if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Sadly there are not too many teachers like that out there in my experience. My oldest has an ADHD/AS dx and it has opened doors as far as his education goes, without that he would not be in school at all. OP you sound very like my son in many of your descriptions, Aspergers sounds very possible but I would let the experts decide for sure. There are a few aspies on the forum but also try this: Asperger and ASD uk online forum, there are both parents of and people with aspergers on this forum and you will find a lot more info and experiences there.

daska

13000 wrote: »

Unfortunatly the contract I signed clearly states that any changes in my health or situation must be reported to the HR dept.

Thats what it states anyhow in the contract.

I think I'd get advice on that one - I don't believe they are entitled to put that condition in your contract unless you are in the kind of job where other people might be affected. And nothing has actually changed for you so what is there to tell?

Blackpool_Saver

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackpool_Saver
Hi, I am no doctor but do have experience with a relative being the way you are describing. It sounds like bipolar to me or at the least ADHD, or something within the autistic spectrum. I am happy to talk to you by private message should you wish.

This is not the place for diagnoses (though it seems to be the day for it). The characteristics described could be numerous things, or indeed, nothing at all.

OP, keep your appointment, but don't be afraid of any 'label' that may come out of it. You are still you, it doesn't change you unless you want it to ... and be careful of taking diagnoses from unqualified people on t'internet that have never met you!

__________________________________________________________________

As I said I am not a Dr, nor am I offering a diagnosis, this is an open forum and I was merely stating that a relative of mine displays the same symptoms and has the conditions to which I refer.
For your information the OP and I have communicated by private message and I do not need or require you to talk down to me in such a manner thank you kindly.

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello 13000,

I'd recommend you read a book by Tony Attwood called Asperger's Syndrome, A Guide For Parents and Professionals. It explains all about the different methods for diagnosis, which will help a little with your understanding.

You have obviously found you own little niche, and have developed your own coping strategies.

Hopefully, if you get a confirmed diagnosis, you will just feel relief, as you will understand why you feel different.
I am the parent of 2 teenagers with Aspergers, and you would think that they had a completely different diagnosis to each other, but they have good days, and bad days, moving up and down the spectrum.

Why not have a chat with your GP.
You have a good understanding of things that you feel set you apart from others, your interests, obbsessions, mannerisms and thought processes. Write all these down, and ask if he will refer you to a specialist, maybe outside of a psych ward, which will be less intimidating to you.

hope you find some answers
Munchie

bitsandpieces

Mental health services in the UK are oversubscribed - for that reason alone they're not going to section someone (or admit them to a ward) lightly. I'm not a doctor or lawyer, and obviously haven't met you, but it doesn't sound like you'd meet the legal criteria to be detained under section 3, either. From what you say, you're coping fairly well and - because of a reluctance to admit people and a preference for treating people in the community - I'd be surprised if they even tried to admit you as a voluntary inpatient. Outpatient treatment sounds far more likely.

A diagnosis can also be helpful in one's career - for example, allowing reasonable adjustments to be made. You know your sector and company, though: could you discuss your options, and the effects of a possible diagnosis on your career, with a union rep or similar?

Would second the suggestion to get in touch with a local autism/aspergers/neurodiversity self-help group, too. While a diagnosis may be useful (or necessary) there may also be ways to get help without one.

If you do need help, though, you should get it. That may need to involve the risk of a diagnosis.

soolin

I echo some of the other posts here and would really ask the OP to consider whether having a label makes life any easier? Why do you need a name for any traits you have, if you manage them then leave it be.If you do need help with any part of your being then get help for that, but see someone who can target your needs rather than someone who concentrates on fitting you with a catch all diagnosis.

Many years ago I worked for a man with an IQ that was almost immeasureable as it was so high, nowadays his habits and traits would get him a label of some sorts as he was not fully able to function in the world without help from nobodies like me. However he built a very successful career, made oodles of money as people just treated him as being eccentric and let him be.

LindsayO

It might also help you to know that different mental health care professionals take different approaches to diagnosis. Most counsellors do not give diagnoses, whereas psychiatrists generally do. So it would be possible to see multiple counsellors, describe your experiences or symptoms and not receive a diagnosis.

As far as letting your work know I can't comment on mental health diagnoses specifically, but I have a physical disability and although most of my colleagues are very supportive, certian people have really changed towards to me since I became disabled.

Good luck with your decision

di3004

I did have a Tony Attwoods DVD, thanks for reminding me about this, I lent this to my son's school, to his special needs staff and have not had this back, even though my son who has Aspergers syndrome, anxiety disorders and learning difficulties is now taught at home, as much as we all tried with him at school, it did not work.

Good luck to the OP, you have received good advice here and please feel free to pm me also if you want to.;)

Irish_Cailin

If you went privately for an assessment/diagnosis would that still mean you would be obliged to inform your employer. People who suffer from aspergers syndrome are generally highly intelligent in the maths/science area but not so in social skills and small talk.
I can understand you wanting a diagnosis, it sometimes can be a relief if we have a reason for our behaviour but I would caution on who you tell as if we are labeled people can then judge us harshly and you don't need that extra pressure.

Have you tried cognitive behaviour therapy. They use a method to help you to become more focused on your thoughts and suggest ways of changing them. They give you a little home work to do between sessions.

Best of luck

kassandra

My word you nearly made me cry! I have said for years that my son has Aspergers. I'm no doctor but have very little faith in them when it comes to these types of disorder!

They told me that he couldn't possibly have it as he was affectionate when approached. what a load of carp!!!

He has tried stabbing his sister and setting fire to the house just to see what would happen. He hasn't a bad bone in his body but just seriously wanted to know what would happen if he did these things! I caught him trying to drill his friends head one day. Luckily, although we had left the tool bag there, there were no drill bits in the drill so no harm was done but it makes me cringe at what could have happened!

He could sit and watch you take a video recorder or some such equipment apart and would be able to put it back together again no problem but has no memory or thought processing skills that I would see as "normal".

The thing that made me think the most was your inner thoughts. I sometimes think random things like I could be sitting on a bus and be thinking "I wonder what that person sitting in front of me would do if I just punched them?" I don't feel any malice towads them, nor am I a violent person and I always thought I was just a bit weird but maybe not! OP, aside from your other concerns, maybe everybody has these thoughts but just don't admit to them because of the strangeness!!

I wish you luck and thank you for giving me an extra nudge for my son.

As far as "labels" are concerned. I didn't want my son to have one until I realised that I would get absolutely no help without it. I still think it is wrong as my son is just him! but I needed to get him a label to access funding for him. This still applies to adults - unfortunately - if you need any help to manage your condition.

I will echo everyone else when I say to message me if you want to talk or get opinions/advice about your situation xxxx