@AspergerMom - I did not get diagnosed until a few years ago, when I experienced difficulty in my job with colleagues. I first discovered what was going on in my life when I was studying for my degree in special education a decade ago, and we got to the chapters on high functioning autism disorders. I felt I was reading my biography. I can remember interesting questions put to my mother by teachers, etc., but my mother was not about to admit to anything that might make her look like a bad parent (remember that in the 70's and 80's the speculation was that autism was somehow caused by a lack of warmth in the mother).

I also felt that it seemed ridiculous to put things like sensory-based stims, liking to categorize and order things, and having other people get upset at you a lot for how you naturally express your feelings, as "symptoms." But, seeing it in my texts listed as a "disorder," suddenly the strangeness and illogical comments of so many around me made sense... sort of.

I tentatively looked into being diagnosed then, but at the time I didn't know any autism specialists and standard counselors/psychologists ten years ago didn't seem to know that people with HFA could, oh, smile at some socially "appropriate" times, etc....

I finally pursued a formal diagnosis about two years ago when some colleagues chose to blame me for their shortcomings, and I was at a loss about how to navigate the illogical and insane bombardment I was under for things I hadn't done... and people who were friendly to me could give only the advice of "you need to be more tactful." I was at a loss, since I thought tact meant saying what needed to be said with a soft voice and sitting back in your chair, but knew I needed help.

I benefited from my son already having psychologists and psychiatrists helping him... and discovered that they had seen enough of me to have no hesitation at formally diagnosing me.

After being diagnosed, I went through a couple of years of counseling with a wonderful lady who helped me further my social scripting, as well as helping put situations I encountered into language for which I could have some understanding.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to interact with so many other adults with varying degrees of autism, especially on the web, as this is a wonderful tool for opening communication without all the non-verbal confusion. We have found that....

1. ANY autism diagnosis, regardless of degree, shuts doors firmly regarding certain life insurance, health insurance, etc. if you seek to pursue them beyond what is offered through your employer. Get these things ahead of time before pursuing diagnosis.

2. ONLY seek a diagnosis if the general public's misunderstanding of the label will be less damaging to your situation than the current difficulties you face without ADA accommodations at work, access to counseling, etc.

3. IF you choose to get a diagnosis, seek out someone who has a past track record of excellent rapport and effectiveness with adults with HFA. Ask around, and shop carefully. You have plenty of time, so don't rush.

4. Connect to others online who are HFA. While we are each unique in how we experience out autism traits, we share the difficulties of living surrounded by non-autistics who at best find us entertainingly quirky.

I hope this helps a bit! :)

Yes... Hello. I am diagnosed with Asperger's, my son is diagnosed with PDD-NOS, and I am a special ed teacher, currently with two diagnosed and several clearly spectrum but undiagnosed kiddos on my caseload.

@A MyAutismTeam Member - how did you get diagnosed? I'm considering it for myself

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A MyAutis...

@OrphanAspie - Which system are you trying to navigate? Government services, college, and/or the work place?