Adult ASD Test - The Results

Note: The other steps in my testing can be found here and here.

I FINALLY have my results in my hand!

First of all, I want to acknowledge there are lots of pros and cons to getting officially tested and there are a few other bloggers who have given very sage advice. I'll link to them here when I find them again.

For me, so far I see a HUGE benefit because I got more information than I was expecting. In addition to clarifying my ASD-status, I was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This is great information. I've been recommended to see an OT to get some help for myself. I feel like I'm finally being heard, understood and better able to understand myself. It's amazing to realize all sort of things in  my life had a reason - that I'm not crazy! I can't really explain how freeing that is. It feels like I am just blossoming and with the right help, I can be even better than I was before.

Some people call their diagnosis date their New Birthday. I totally get that now.

I've spent the last few years getting the right help for my son. It's my turn now (he's doing really well!) and it's a really great feeling.

Happy New Birthday to ME! 

Adult ASD Test - Part 2

I had the second part of my ASD testing done in August and I'm still waiting for the official results. I will get them sometime in September, after the psychologist has prioritized all the kids who need evaluations at the beginning of the school year. Being a parent, I am totally cool with that!

I've found some tests online and I got this result:

Your Aspie score: 137 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 57 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie

I find the online tests much less grueling than the in-person test with a psychologist.

She had me do some puzzles and look at pics and describe them. Then she made me tell a story on the fly and I had a hard time with that. I thought it was horrible actually. But it's all in the name of science!

What a lot of this testing has done is point out all the little things that make me different. If anything, it's an exploration of understanding myself better. It may also explain why I have absolutely no success making new friends. More and more, it makes me wonder about my dad also.

Adult ASD Test - Part 1

For two gruelling hours this morning, I rehashed my childhood for a psychologist. I still have to go back for at least another hour of questioning next month.

It's going to be interesting work for her; working to tease out what is just weird behaviour, what could be a result of childhood abuse and what could also possibly be autism. I am a complex being!

I hope in the end to be able to know if I am really relating or understanding my child based on my experiences or if I'm projecting things on to him. I don't want to project anything at all. I hope at some point he will be able to express how he feels in words. At the same time, I know it's hard to express an experience when you don't know any other way. If it feels normal to you, there's no reason to have to explain it is "weird" or not normal.

I also think it will help us help the Little Man - better awareness to our own weaknesses means we can better find people who can help us...or so we hope! For example, me and hubby are not very social creatures, so it would be hard for us to teach the Little Man social skills. We know we need to get help to focus on that aspect, and maybe teach us also!

I see it as benefiting everyone in some way in the end. I just need to know for sure. 

Testing, Testing A S D

First big news: I'm heading to BlogHer '13 tomorrow! Can't wait! I'm not really ready, but we'll wing it!

I'll be updating from the conference hopefully, so you won't miss me!

In other news, I'm going for adult ASD testing on Monday morning. Wish me luck, because it's long - I think about 4 hours. Not all at once, but I have to rehash my childhood also.

I'm going because I'm insanely curious. Not that it will change anything really, but I think it will help give me some answers. It may answer a lot of my issues from childhood or it may not. Here's hoping!