how much did it cost you to get diagnosed?

[flyingnaked]

i contacted a therapist whose rates are approx $100/hr. he's had experience with and diagnosing people with asperger's, and said he's worked with people who have capd, but it's not his specialty. (he's the president of a san bay area therapy community (gaylesta) for people in the glbt community). i asked a bunch of questions (reason why i'm

Comments

[intralimina]

Just as a bit of context / view from my soap box, the thing that eventually spurred me to get an official Dx was need for ADA protection and accommodations. I was stupid, and did not do it until it was already too late to help me in the work situation I was in.

I STRONGLY encourage people to disclose to their employers, get accommodations, and get protected. In the middle of a work crisis is NOT a good time to attempt to get protections. Whether it's a good idea to disclose further to co-workers, bosses, etc. is something that is really situation dependent.

I am not an expert, but I do know a teeny bit (more than that doctor, yikes!) about how to manage workplace disclosure and accommodations, and a bit about how the laws work. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them if I can.

Here's a Fact Sheet on the workplace and ADA: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/q%26aeng02.htm#Anchor-Employment-47857

[flyingnaked]

i think i should clarify, because going back to the person's email, this is what he said:

There is no test or instrument that

[intralimina]

No, his email isn't any better than your paraphrase

[arathian]

I didn't know it was AS at the time as a misdiagnoses, but you are basically saying that at the employers I got quickly fired from for pretty much obviously bullshit reasons to not own up to the fact that my aspie traits annoyed them, would have made it impossible to so easily fire me if I had known about my AS at the time and disclosed it?

[intralimina]

Possibly, yes.

From the ADA FAQ:

Q. What practices and activities are covered by the employment nondiscrimination requirements?

A. The ADA prohibits discrimination in all employment practices, including job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. It applies to recruitment, advertising, tenure, layoff, leave, fringe benefits, and all other employment-related activities.

It works the same way that protections for race, religion, sex, and nationality work. Someone can't be fired for being Jewish, or fired for needing their Special Holy Day off from work. Also from the FAQ:

Q. How are the employment provisions enforced?

A. The employment provisions of the ADA are enforced under the same procedures now applicable to race, color, sex, national origin, and religious discrimination under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. Complaints regarding actions that occurred on or after July 26, 1992,

[elanivalae]

Mine was two sessions with a neuropsychologist and some paperwork time between the two. I went in with a fair amount of information (I filled out questionnaires about AS with my mom to pin down developmental information that can take time to gather, for instance) and took my husband so she could ask him some questions. It cost about $500 before insurance, which wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

You could call your insurance company and ask if they cover outpatient mental health services...that's the heading it fell under for mine. Whether or not they would cover that specific doctor (or whether you'd need a referral) depends a lot on your type of insurance.

[aspiemama]

Anyone have any suggestions on someone in Northern CA (SF Bay area)?

[idiotgrrl]

The MIND Institute, either Cal-Davis or, ask at UCSF. In fact, I'll give you the name of a person who might start you on your search, though her professional interest is in OCD - Carol Mathews, MD, UCSF Medical.

[macanfitheach]

Nothing as it was covered by the military at the time. I can tell you what it took, however (over a period of about six months) so it may give you an idea of what it may cost:

Psychologists - 6 1 hour sessions + 3 tests + 5 interview questionnaires (for family/friends/coworkers to complete)

Social Worker - 2 1 hour sessions

Psychiatrist - 4 1 hour sessions

Autism Specialist - 1 8 hour session + about 20+ tests

Hope this helps! Cheers,

Ted