Aspies For Freedom

Well, my husband has been scheduled for his initial appointment for a possible diagnosis of AS.  The first visit with this clinic required us to fill out 30+ pages of paperwork, then he meets with the clinic director (who has a Masters in Social work and has apparently been working with people on the Autism Spectrum for 27 years) for two hours.  After that they schedule two one hour appointments with a psychiatrist to get the final piece of the assessment.  

Of course, all of this is coming out of pocket as the clinic is not covered by our insurance, but we really feel it is an investment.  I think, more than anything else, he feels like he needs to have that diagnosis, and with it, we will make decisions on the rest of our plans (having a second child, etc.)

He is doing better than he was, but still is in pretty heavy denial, and I am having a hard time understanding why.  But that is just me.  I figure, he is the same person he was before we got a name for it, right?  And the only reason we are going ahead with the official diagnosis is to settle his mind.  My only hopes are that he also can get some tools to possibly deal with the sensory overload he deals with occasionally, and the anxiety he feels a lot of the time.  

I will post again about the experience (after the appointment), as I feel it is good to share the process so other people struggling with the information as AS Newbies can read and refer.

If he is still in denial about his having AS, be sure to be there for him if he is diagnosed with it. Some people do not take well to it; it may be that he initially rejects the label if he is given it.

It's saddens me that people choose not to have children because of autism, but I shouldn't bother you.

I know a family with 4 on the spectrum and she is expecting another baby. hmm actually maybe she had the baby Ill have to send off an email

Thank you, I am going to be right there, all the way!  Took the whole day off for it, and plan to do anything I can to help!

Oh should have specified the family has 4 children on the spectrum.

Well actually I think the most unselfish thing I could possibly do would be to think of the man who I believe has AS and how he would deal with 2 kids at home (homeschooling an 8-9 year old and with a newborn) and the child we already have and how to provide her with the best we can.  

You are not a bother, I am here to learn and part of the learning has been that this forum is very pro-autism and pro-aspie.  But I know along with that, you all have the understanding and would certainly accept that if someone is not able to care for a child the way that a child needs to be cared for, whether NT, Aspie, or LFA, the best option is to think carefully before you procreate!  

Korrigan, That is great that you are going to be there for him. I'm sure that will make it easier for him. Its always good to have moral support from loved ones Best wishes at your apt.

Korrigan, I'm with Ocampo and Breeze on this one.  It's not going to change your husband at all, but as you say it may help you as a family to understand and support each other better.  I think it's a good thing you're doing and hope all goes well.