Aspies For Freedom

What is the process for getting an Asperger's diagnosis?

I've read things ranging from "it's a long and expensive process" to "all it requires is a genetic test."

I ask because my nephew, who is in his early 20s, was recently diagnosed. I'd never heard of AS before that, so my brother sent me a packet of information. The description fits me to a T. I live in a rural area in the Western U.S. and the nearest experts who could give me an official diagnosis (according to the Internet) are an 8-hour drive away.

So. If I were to seek an official diagnosis, is it a matter of taking tests (like those on this site) or does it take hours of chat time with a psychiatrist (as described in some sites for parents of AS children)? Could I go to a local psychiatrist or do I need an expert?

I'm in my early 50s and am fairly functional, except for this small problem getting and keeping jobs.

Thanks for your help.

They ask you bunch of questions and I beleive they give you this forum and you read the qestions and there are the answers like never somtimes always and you fill in the bubble. It might be different for you because you're a grown up and I was a kid when I did the tests and my mother took one and so did my teacher and my psychaitrist looked at them over. I can remember him doing it. I believe you will have to talk to the pychiatrist too telling him what your problems are and how you fit in and how hard it is. With me it was my mom and the doctor talking but I think it be different for grownups.  Just be yourself and don't try to make any impressions.

It's not a genetic test, there is one available but it has limited use.

Thanks Amy and likedcalico for your replies. I figured the genetic test might be misinformation--I only found it in one source and the other information on that site seemed odd.

If I go to a psychiatrist, should I find an expert in AS? I don't want to waste time and money going to the wrong person.

Thanks again

You really should find a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in autistic disorders. Since your profile says you're in the US, you can probably find a doctor with the help of the Autism Society of America. If you go here:
http://209.200.89.252/search_site/chapter_map.cfm
You can locate the nearest chapter of the Autism Society of America. If you give them a call, they should be able to point you in the direction of a doctor who can asess you.