Expert: Paul Johnson - 5/10/2011

Question
My 30 year old has been diagnosed with Asperger's by his psychologist, but he does not have an 'official' diagnosis.  We do not doubt the diagnosis, as we learn more about Asperger's it does answer a lot of questions we've had about this issues he has faced in his life.

I believe that he would benefit from social services, but I believe that without the official diagnosis these are not available to him.  

He tried to find some places that diagnose Asperger's but has been told that they do not do adult diagnosis.  What are his options?  Is is important to get the official diagnosis?

Answer
Hey Sharon,

Thank you for your thoughtful and challenging question.

Your question is a familiar one as the first two Psychologist that diagnosed me did not do it officially as well and I was turned away when I applied for services. Ordinarily I would not have knowledge of your specific community. I noticed that your community is my community-Minnesota. I would refer you to contact the Autism Society of Minnesota. They have a list of resources that do adult diagnoses of Autism.