Autism Question...?

How do I convince a psychiatrist or doctor or therapist that I have Autism from my history? If they're only going by current observations--and keep thinking I have ADHD. It keeps upsetting me, because when they disagree, I feel like they aren't listening to me. Since, I have MANY Autism tendencies in my history...having to have 3 years of OT/PT, 8 years of ST;speech therapy, and even having to go to a developmental preschool... How can I convince them, that I'm right, that I do have Autism? And, simply, that my hyperactivity is from my Autism, NOT ADHD... How can I help them understand me, when I'm confused, not knowing what to say, and so forth??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS.. I've tried showing doctors/therapists/psychiatrists, etc my reports/history...but, they just don't seem to care about the history, but only the present. Well, in order to make an Autism diagnosis, they need previous history...don't they? ERRRRR!!! This makes me frustrated!

Yes...but, I've had ALOT of Autism tendencies..and four professionals even told me they thought I had it from my history--but some other people are telling me different...now what?

Well, one thing is obvious you probably have suffered (and continue to suffer) from anguish and distress. 鈥utism constitutes a relatively narrow band on that long axis of Spectrum Disorders that span the whole gamut of learning disability conditions from ADHD to what have you, not to mention heavy metal poisoning, and a multitude of other neurological and behavioral possibilities. You may or may not have Autism or any of the other spectrum disorder conditions. The fact of the matter is that we still understand relatively little about how the human brain functions, hence it is a non-trivial thing to make a final/definitive diagnosis and say yes Michele you have such and such, so go home and take a few of these pills. 鈥 do NOT believe that earning a "label鈥?is necessarily going to add anything positive to your struggle against what you have been going through. I believe, instead of concentrating on the negatives you must genuinely praise yourself for the great courage, the hard work and the perseverance that you have shown so far in dealing with whatever it is that has been making you suffer. Obviously, and from your description, your parents have always supported your recovery struggles and encouraged your progress 鈥?yet another treasure that you have been blessed with and should be grateful for. As I see it you might have been this and that and what have you (and may even continue to suffer with residual effects), but now at least you seem like a very well spoken and eloquent lady, isn't that reason enough to celebrate and be happier? Isn't that reason enough to find love somewhere in the midst of all this "confusion" as you put it? Meaning is something that all of us (autistic or otherwise) have to labor to bring into our lives. I know it is NOT easy, it is not easy for any of us, but try and lead a more loving life and I鈥檓 sure even better and bigger progress will come your way in time.

judging from what you said, i don't think you do have autism. if you really think you do, go get a second opinion. However you don't act like it.

You obviously don't have severe autism. What other kinds of symptoms do you have?

Well, you seem pretty high functioning to me. Did you ever consider that you DON'T have autism, and that THAT'S the reason no one is willing to give you the diagnosis? If the majority of doctors agree that, after their assessment, you don't have autism, then you don't. Remember, they are the experts that have gone to school and studied this stuff for 8+ years. While it is important to express how you feel to your therapists, you have to respect their assessments - especially when they are unanimous.

Wow, I've worked with many with autism and non of them have been able to explain anything in as great of detail as you did. I'm wondering why you think your autistic. I'm sure that you know yourself better than anyone but no one seems to support you diagnosis. If you really believe you have autism, read up on the diagnostic symptoms and write down all of the ones that you have. Come at the doctors in a clear and logical manner with your research complete.

I think many dr's do not believe in autistic adults having an autistic child I hope one day he is a functioning adult such as your self. It sounds very like Asperger's syndrome to me but I am only a mother :-)

Why are you so worried about what some psychiatrists, doctors or therapists think as long as others have varified you have autism? Are the particular professionals you want to convience required to sign off on some insurance forms, or something? Or is it just pride?

Another poss. is that you have some, but not all of the genes (and traits) required to be classified as "Autistic." My brother had two children with autism & now, in hindsight, I can see autistic traits in several family members, myself included.