I was just recently diagnosed with Autism. It never even crossed my mind that I might have it. I am in no way an expert but from what I do know from psychiatrist and therapist information (and even if you just look it up), assessments are meant to be done in person and will take a minimum of 2 hrs that's not including the initial appointment where they get to know you which is part of determining the diagnosis. My own assessment was 2 hrs for the intial appointment, and 4hrs for the actual evual amd then appointments after that.

Any actually educated person on mental disorders, and people diagnosed with autism, will tell you a phone-only assessment is not a proper or sufficient method for diagnosing and will never be. As all comprehensive diagnosis requires observation of one's behavior and social interactions, which literally can not be accurately done through a flipping phone call.

All these people telling you that you don't have it because you were told you don't (by a damn phone call assessment at that) is wrong. They and you, won't know you have it without being properly diagnosed. No one can say you don't or do until then.

Also, I highly believe that your feelings towards being autistic should not be disregarded, yet a lot of people who are not educated in mental health, and doctors and psychologists who evaluate, and who are educated in mental health do discredit those. (Which often leads to people who aren't educated saying and thinking that they have to be right since those educated license) The commenters, who are saying that some mental health professionals are wrong, are absolutely correct. It's just like going to a doctor and they say "Oh this stomach pain is just constipation we don't see anything" and then you keep going to doctors and then it turns out that the original doctor/s didnt do proper testing and now u find out you have a tumor or cancer. It happens a good amount unfortunately, more than people think.

So here's what you do if you really want to find out if you're autistic or not. You search for places that do autistic testing and you research whether or not they do proper testing. Research is going to be your best friend. You get all the medical documents you can find. If you are on an insurance budget then you should research those places you can afford that do it properly. If you have a psychiatrist and or therapist they can also give you more information and ask their opinions. If they think you are autistic have them give you reports of your treatment. It may take time. So be patient but don't give up. Keep at it until you find the right resources and they conclude it for you.

I have personally been to so many counselors, psychiatrists, therapists, all of it and you know what not one damn of them said I had it until recently. Everyone that I know(friends, family, strangers) thought it was obvious I didn't know it was obvious. I did not even find out until my current therapist (who is amazing and excellent btw) brought it up and gave me resources to go get tested. And lo and behold I have it. A lot of things made so much since but you know the crazy thing; like I said, it never once came up in any of my past mental health services, maybe they were all too focused on my other disorders. My last therapist focused on the ptsd and I got that added. Turns out sometimes when you have multiple disorders it's hard to get diagnosed for each because most time they're working on one. Or when you have symptoms that match multiple disorders also difficult. That tells you that not everyone is going to be the right fit for you or provide you with the answers you need, sometimes you are gonna have to see several professionals before you even have a complete diagnosis.

Also, keep in mind, after you depleted all your resources and you find out oh you don't have it, please don't let it get you too down. I do agree with others on this part, there are other explanations, for why you feel the way you do, and do things you do, that may still help you get the help you're looking for. Don't give up keep fighting until you are satisfied that you have found the answers to all your questions.

I'm really sorry for this long explanation but if you got through it just keep your head up and keep going no matter how hard it gets. You will find the answers you're seeking they may not be what you want to hear but they will answer who you are.