See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

alara

755d

I am currently seeking an autism diagnosis. My psychiatrist will not approve the testing because he is convinced that I am “too high functioning” to be autistic. Does anyone have advice for getting access to testing? How do you feel about self diagnosing?

Top reply
    • TarMan

      755d

      High functioning isn't even a term in ASD. That doc is a quack. It goes low support needs to high support needs. It took me a while to find a doc to diagnose me, don't loose hope

      14

    • ToastyToast

      751d

      You have two options. 1. Get a new doctor and end up telling the doctor everything the current one knows to get em up to speed and ask for the testing of the new doctor. 2. Advocate for yourself. Tell the doctor every single thing you experience that has to do with any form of autism spectrum disorder. Look into Asperger's Syndrome as well even though it got absorbed into ASD in the DSM, because it has distinct differences from standard autism that could impact diagnosis. Fill the doctor with every bit of information until they allow the testing. Eventually they will or they'll drop you as a client out of annoyance. This is really your best bet unless you want to start from square one again with a doctor.

    • YanksTMP

      752d

      Whats funny is that the term "high functioning" is what my doctor also said to my mom to which she relayed it to me. It might be a common term if that is the case.

    • GothPeachLatte

      752d

      I am also in the process of being professionally diagnosed, and with late diagnosis usually comes lots of doubt. Even medical professionals have trouble seeing past the stereotype of “nonverbal 4 year old boy who likes trains and will grow up to be a science genius”. I say do your own research on places that take your insurance and call around, that;s what I had to do. Self diagnosis is also 100% valid, in lots of cases, because you know yourself better than anyone. I would say that, if you;ve done your due diligence, it would be alright to self dx. If you feel you need a professional dx, I would be happy to give farther advice on how I found my testing center.

      • alara

        752d

        @GothPeachLatte I have done LOTS of research, and I actually work with autistic kids as well (board certified) so I think I am fairly well educated. I would honestly be more shocked if I’m NOT autistic!!!

        • GothPeachLatte

          752d

          @alara then I would say self dx is totally valid if you don;t want to deal with the medical system! It truly can be exhausting, expensive, traumatizing and much more to seek out doctors who may invalidate your anyway.

    • Buggabugga

      753d

      I am currently self diagnosed and my girlfriend who has autism and her mother both think I am autistic. My therapist as well would not follow thru sending me for an eval bc he said I was “high functioning” I mask around him a lot 😭

    • TarMan

      755d

      High functioning isn't even a term in ASD. That doc is a quack. It goes low support needs to high support needs. It took me a while to find a doc to diagnose me, don't loose hope

      14

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

100% Free
100%
Free

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion