How is AS typically diagnosed?

[Aspigander]

Okay, last week I emailed my psychologist a link to this forum, so I really hope I'm not putting her in an uncomfortable spot here with this question. Anyway, yesterday in another thread (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54969) we got to talking about IQ scores and how they can be faulty. Roadracer observed that I was probably given an IQ test as part of my diagnostic process for Asperger's, and in my response I detailed what was the diagnostic process (that post went onto page 2 of the thread).

I'm just wondering if that's an unusual diagnostic method for adults? I guess I'm asking because when the psychologist mentioned suspecting it, I kind of thought there might be more of a process to confirm it (though I understand AS or any other ASD isn't exactly something that can be diagnosed quite like something like diabetes can). I'm assuming that she checked me against the DSM criteria for Asperger's, but other than that, it's just that she said there aren't a whole lot of things that present quite the way I was presenting.

I'm not trying to imply anything negative about my psychologist by questioning this. It's just that last night's conversation got me thinking -- is there generally more of a process? Any comments anyone? Mili, you were 42 at the time so definitely an adult when diagnosed -- what was your process?

[roadracer]

I dont have a clue if a IQ test is part of it or not, I actually dont have a clue how they dx autism/aspergers, heck I am not even sure what the dsm criteria is for it. I was just telling my story, and figured because they did those type of tests with me that they must do them with everyone, like it is standard or something. I really dont have a clue.

Just for the heck of it, I just got out the paper from the last time I was at the psychologist, this was NOT for a asd dx, and I am not really sure what the tests were for, but the tests given were, Intellectual evaluation, Memory scale, Luria-nebraska (whatever the heck that is). Not really sure what the tests tell a person. I was probably given a hundred different tests growing up, but I really dont remember them.

[Aspigander]

I just googled, and for anyone interested, here is the DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Asperger's Syndrome (http://www.autreat.com/dsm4-aspergers.html). I'm not one for so-called "self-diagnosis" (i.e. even looking at that, I wouldn't identify myself as aspie without a professional opinion), but when I look at that criteria it is pretty obvious.

I was probably given those kinds of tests when I was really young, but I'm not sure. I think since the most obvious thing was the visual impairment, that's what was focused on and it didn't occur to anyone to check for other things.

[Aspigander]

Okay, while again I would not be identifying myself as aspie without a professional diagnosis, here is what happens when I check myself against the DSM criteria in the link I posted above:

(I) Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

(A) marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
(B) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
(C) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interest or achievements with other people, (e.g.. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
(D) lack of social or emotional reciprocity

Definitely A, B, and D, and possibly C.

(II) Restricted repetitive & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

(A) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
(B) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
(C) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g. hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
(D) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

Definitely B and D, Some of A, and maybe a hint of C.

III) The disturbance causes clinically significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Definitely.

IV) There is no clinically significant general delay in language (E.G. single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years)

No language delays beyond those caused by all my oral issues (for example, my 'single words by age 2 years', well, I was making them, from what my mom says I knew what I was saying, but very difficult for others to know what I was saying).


(V) There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction) and curiosity about the environment in childhood.

If I'm understanding what this means properly, this is correct.

(VI) Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia."

Okay, I know I'm not schizophrenic. And I haven't checked the criteria for other PDD. But other PDD's have never come up.

[roadracer]

I believe there is way more to a dx then just looking at the dsm and putting check marks beside each symtom you have. There is way more to a asd then the few symtoms listed in the dsm.

[Aspigander]

Well, true.

Okay, I hope I'm not putting you on the spot here, because I know you're not a 'professional', but just out of curiosity, from the perspective of one with an ASD, what kind of testing would you like to see involved in making the dx of an ASD?

[roadracer]

I dont have a clue, I am not sure how they test for it, so I am not sure what the most accurate way is
Maybe someone else could give you info on everything above posts, but if you are looking for someone to confirm your dx, that your psychologist is indeed correct, I am not sure anyone here could/would do that.

[Aspigander]

Hope I'm not implying I think she's inaccurate. :) I do think it is accurate, just from what I've learned about Asperger's.