I have some questions about the diagnostic process of high functioning ASD in a younger teen. I have a preliminary diagnosis, and will have a full eval in less than a month.
1. Is a regular child psychologist able to make this diagnosis? And will someone who specializes in birth through 14, my age, be able to recognize it in someone my age who is also what I would consider a borderline case?
2. Is it possible for ASD to have had no affect on my grades? And that none of my teachers noticed it?
3. What is the diagnostic process and how long should it last for? I read on hear that it should be over multiple days. Is this still the case with an older child?
4. What would be the treatment if I received a diagnosis? I also have a social anxiety disorder diagnosis from the same professional who made a preliminary diagnosis of ASD. I just started medication for that.
5. Should I consider it a good or bad thing that my symptoms come off much more obviously when in a psychiatric setting? In my daily life it is not nearly as obvious. With the professionals I spoke to previously, I couldn't look them in the eye, talk comfortably, and I even started tearing up, almost crying! There's also the added thing of that this child psychologist I have an appointment with is a man. I, as a girl, am not very comfortable with male doctors. The other two professionals I spoke to were female, so I can't imagine how uncomfortable, fidgety, and unable to keep eye contact I will be.
6. I also hear on here that you should find someone who specializes in 2e autism or autism in girls. Is this absolutely necessary?
Thanks in advance for any responses or information you can give me. While I do want to pursue a diagnosis and treatment, I'm also somewhat nervous and unsure of what to expect.
Eta:7. I've heard on here that they need reports from people other than my parents for a diagnosis. Is this true? They haven't asked for that. I don't think I could get that if they needed it.