I was referred to this forum not too long ago by an Aspie friend. She has an official diagnosis and is convinced that I am an Aspie as well.
Reading through the diagnostic criteria and user posts, I have to admit that all of these things are familiar to me. I was taken to doctors as a child due to my constant stimming and social issues, but my parents were told that I couldn't be autistic, because I was too intelligent (this was in the 1970s). I relate to several other criteria as well, though stimming and sensory overload are the big ones for me.
The concern I have now is one of official diagnosis. It would be nice to have as it would make me feel a bit less insane at times. I know I can accept myself with an unofficial diagnosis, but I do question my own judgement as I am sure most people are prone to do.
I am planning to immigrate to Australia in the near future. I am aware that this country requires medical documentation and examinations. Does anyone know if an official diagnosis could be used in a derogatory way to prevent immigration?
First of all, what's wrong with West Virginia? Assuming you're not a coal miner, West Virginia is a lovely state. Second of all, of course they will use it against you. You have a mental illness, and might as well be locked away in an mental hospital. What, you say you are functioning and perfectly capable of a happy life? Too bad. Because Autism is a horrible disease that makes normal people feel intellectually inferior, and that can't be.
West Virginia is a lovely state. I've finally found another person that I am compatible with though, but he is unfortunately in Australia. He has a job and I seem to be unable to hold one for a long period, so it makes more sense for me to move toward his stability instead of his moving to the US to my instability.
West Virginia is a lovely state. I've finally found another person that I am compatible with though, but he is unfortunately in Australia. He has a job and I seem to be unable to hold one for a long period, so it makes more sense for me to move toward his stability instead of his moving to the US to my instability.
Hi Aeval! Come on Downunder, the water's lovely! I didn't know you have to be a documented NT to emigrate. Have you been diagnosed? If not, it's nobody's business but your own! And even if you have been dx'd, you don't have to disclose it unless you want to.
Alison
You want to immigrate to USA?
Check out some official american government websites for information about immigration. You would probably qualify for spouse (have to be married) or fiance class if your relationship is serious. She would probably have to prove her income and you will have to have some income as well.
Start going to a new doctor. Do not transfer your medical records from your childhood doctor. (just say you do not remember what doctor you used to see) You could even ask for a copy of your records to read from the old one if allowed. Most of the time, only the important "adult" type of medical conditions are going to be listed anyway. There is a list of medical conditions that the USA does not want in immigrants but if you do not have an official diagnosis, don't worry about it.
Thank you for your reply, M.
I currently live in the US and he is living in Australia. We plan to marry, I suppose, as he seems to want that and Australia would require it for my immigration.
I was just worried about diagnosis, as I have been told that several medical conditions can prevent immigration. Since Australia has nationalized health care (or something similar), they prefer that immigrants have no prior existing health issues. I don't consider Aspergers a health issue, but I have no idea if they may or not.
You could email their embassy in the USA anonymously and ask about all these issues.
For immigration to Australia, this is what I found.
http://www.immi.gov.au/facts/22health.htm
That is an official government site.
They are most concerned at about barring people with tuberculois, HIV, hepatitis, and obesity. You have to use a doctor on their list. Most likely no doctor will be likely to tell if you have autism during a physical examination. They would be just doing a routine check up.
I think you would need to find out if your US medical records could or will need to be accessed by an Australian doctor or someone from the Australian government. If an AS diagnosis is in such records, then I guess your secret would be out.
You would also need to find out if you will be asked about any pre-existing disabilities, neurological conditions or "mental disorders". If you lie about such a matter that may get you into trouble, I guess. Austism/AS is considered by some people to belong in the above categories. AS, autism and PDD-NOS are all listed in the DSM-IV which is a "... manual of mental disorders" so it follows that AS can be legally considered to be a "mental disorder". Don't be naive!
I know that the Australian govt. is an absolute *** with no regard for human rights with regard to "illegal immigrants". I expect they may also be ruthless with people who apply officially to come here.
I've been automatically censored! :shock: @#$% that!
Last year I read something about a family who had problems immigrating to Australia because their son was autistic, but I'm sorry, I can't remember where I saw it.
And getting an autism diagnosis in West Virginia is a very bad idea. West Virginia has a mandatory state registry of all autism diagnoses, as if you were a leper or something. Who knows how that could be used against you in the future?
http://www.marshall.edu/wvasdr/faq.asp
As the saying goes, you may be paranoid, but that doesn't mean they're not out to get you.
My advice: If you're just looking for a psychologist's opinion to confirm your self-identification as autistic, get a diagnosis as J. Doe and pay in cash.