Should I have an assessment for Aspergers?

LegacyUser

I'm a middle-aged man whose social skills aren't great, am in employment, but have wondered a few times if I have Aspergers.

I know I shouldn't self-diagnose, as I'm not qualified in the area, but some aspects of it seem familiar: I can be fairly literal-minded some times, I don't read people too well (e.g. very easily wound up - I don't see that the person is joking), limited social interactions (find socialisation outside small circle of friends very difficult,romantic life nonexistent).

Some aspects I don't have - no unusual sensitivities beyond some occasional light and sound sensitivities, which could be down to migraines.

I've been diagnosed with depression, OCD traits and general anxiety disorder.

I am EXTREMELY introverted.

I've spoken with three professionals - one therapist, two GPS - about the possibility of Aspergers. Two didn't think it seemed likely, one suggested it would be of limited worth, at most.

A very close friend did ask me if I had considered the possibility

If it turned out I have the condition, it might make sense of why my behaviour has such limitations.

Would I be wasting my time?

How expensive is an assessment for an adult and how much time would it take? (Would it require me to take time off work? I'm wary of doing this, as I'd have to disclose reason why to employer.)

Ickle Magoo

Hey there,

We cannot give you medical advice OP, including recommending whether you pursue an official diagnosis for any given condition that your doctor has suggested it is unlikely you have. You would be better served getting a second medically qualified opinion on whether such an assessment is necessary.

As the majority of diagnoses are made via GP's and referrals to the relevant specialists from GP's, your best course of action is to ask to be assessed by another GP/ask for a referral for formal assessment and discuss who can do that for you and what options private/public you would have.

Obviously posters here have no way of knowing how much a geographically specific assessment would be or what time requirements that assessment would have - again, you are best to discuss that with your GP/whomever they refer you to/recommend.

All the very best.