Aspies For Freedom

Hi.  I am new here.  My youngest daughter (almost 3) is 'on the spectrum,' originally thought to be Rett's or Infantile Autism, now with time looks more like PDD-NOS or Asperger's...older daughter has some similar traits w/o any delays.  

Anyway, as I have looked up autism et al for my daughter's sake, I am coming to the conclusion that I am in the spectrum myself.  Growing up, I dealt with major depression, suicidal thoughts, was hospitalized for that, also have dealt with panic attacks, misc anxiety, agoraphobia, eating disorders, dissociative disorder, cutting, dx with ADD, Bipolar (which, never believed truly), basically fully fit the criteria for Asperger's.  I am very interested in finding out more about girls/women on the spectrum and/or Aspies.  

What I wonder, is there any benefit to getting an official dx?  If so, what do I do?  I've seen plenty of psych docs in my time, but feel odd going to one 'wanting' a diagnosis.  But, I feel it may not only benefit myself (kind of like "oh, that explains A LOT"), my marriage, and also my children.  

Glad to have found these boards.  Did some tests, here are results.  Any input is welcomed.  Thank you.

"Aspie Quiz"
135 of 200 Aspie Score
56 of 200 NT Score
Most likely an Aspie

"Geek Quiz"
30

Autism Spectrum Quotient
AQ Score = 37

I did the really long 'brain type' quiz...
EO=8
SQ=25
From what I could figure out, my brain type was "Extreme Type S" (male brain)

I'm a 33 yr old female with two sons and an official dx of Aspergers, might give you a little idea of things. There can be some cons to having an official dx. of Aspergers... when it comes to custody.

Well if anything here are my scores on those same things:

"Aspie Quiz - older versions:"
On the first version I got:

Now: 179
Then: 185

You are very likely an Aspie.

On the last version I got:

Your score: 185

You are very likely an Aspie

Will have to redo the new one I think.

"Geek Quiz"
35

Autism Spectrum Quotient
AQ Score = 46-47

On SQ/EQ:
EO=7
SQ=69

I'm definitely extreme male s-type brain I think.

If you do not have any reason to get a diagnosis, why get one then?  Until any genetic test is widely used, I will wait to see how other people with autism are going to be treated by society, then I will decide whether to seek out a diagnosis.  I think that my official diagnosis has been buried somewhat and not kept up to date in medical files.  Having the diagnosis unlawfully disclosed destroyed my career.  

You can still read up about the autistic spectrum and experiences of other people and learn about yourself and your children.

Here was my results to the newest Aspie Quiz version:

Your Aspie score: 177 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 27 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie

And forgot to add to the list of the AQ/EQ and SQ, my results from the eyes test done by Simon Baron-Cohen too I only scored 5.

I guess one of my main reasons to get a dx, would be to help my daughter(s).  The way I see society headed--CAN, DAN!, et al, I am feeling if I can say "Hey, I'm one too" to my kid(s), & to others, maybe someday perceptions will change.  Growing up, I felt like a freak.  The rest of my family seemed to 'normal' & there I was.  Had I had someone, anyone in my family say they really knew a lot of what I was going through, that'd have helped so much & perhaps I'd not have the many mental health issues--or they may not have gotten so severe.  If my kids can see me, my life, my gifts & realize their is no limit to what they can do, and to not be ashamed, that would be incredible.  Talking & encouraging is one thing, but being (certifiably lol) the real deal, that's another.

For me, also, it would be like putting all the pieces of my life & my personality together.  In some ways, a burden would be lifted.  It would all make a lot more sense, and I think I could better accept/understand myself & my past.

I don't know, maybe that doesn't make sense.  But, it's been gnawing away at me lately.  There are things--now married with kids-- I'd like to work on, and having a diagnosis would help that, I think.

Your signature is great, btw.