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To diagnose or not diagnose? That is the question

Deleted User

Ive been watching Agony Autie this week. She is very empowering. "If you identify with autistic traits then why wouldnt you be autistic?" She mentioned that diagnosis might not be right for some people. I dont know if it would be right for me.

If i were to go through with the process and get an outcome of ASC my ideas FOR this would be a) validation b) evidence as i wouldnt be believed otherwise c)a better understand of myself (altho i am part way there from doing my own research).

Ideas against - a) declaring to prospective employers (do you HAVE to do this?!) Im pretty sure my current ones would be very supportive and i dont think id require an special adaptations....b) coming out to people and having to explain or justify myself...but most ppl i know are very open minded / laid back anyway....c) limiting myself. However this could be interpreted as knowing my limitations and not doing stuff just to fit in any more.

Waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror and seeing the label on myself every day for the rest of my life. I am in no way saying this is a bad thing but im not sure how prepared i am for that. And the emotions that woukd come along with it.

What reaons did you have for seeking a diagnosis / do you have for not seeking a diagnosis? Can anyone add to my list as it will give me other strands to consider.

Thank you.

Parents

  • I sought a (recent) diagnosis for validation and understanding, and am glad I did. I still struggle, but knowing WHY I struggle helps. In some areas I struggle more at present as it has brought a lot out into the open in my head that I guess I always suppressed before. However I am hoping that with understanding some of these struggles will diminish in time.

    You do not have to legally disclose to an employer. I did (actually my boss had been very supportive in getting me to talk well before I decided to get diagnosed) and has been great since.

    I don't see it as a label, but I do see it as a recognition. Talking to others in a similar situation on here has also helped me a great deal.

  • in reply to Bagpuss7

    Recognition is a good way to see it. Having pretty much self diagnosed i csn be more open with my partner about any difficulties i face. He is great with this. I feel i can see why i struggle with things now

    If you dont mind me asking how did yo approach it with your boss? Or was there an event happened which allowed you to open up about it? I need to open up to my parents about it but just dont know where to start. 

  • in reply to Deleted User

    My boss realised i was struggling a few weeks before I did, and just kept making me aware he was there if I wanted to talk. Eventually it got to the point that I admitted I was struggling and then we just had a chat. I still dislike talkign and find it hard, but do now realise it helps.

  • in reply to Bagpuss7

    That's good you have a supportive boss. Mine is the same but I have only learned in these past few years to talk to them if I am struggling. But I only think that is because I am more comfortable there now. I feel part of the furniture. I haven't mentioned potential ASC. I went to her in summer about my struggles and she still checks in with me every now and then to see how I am coping at work. I really value that.

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  • in reply to Bagpuss7

    That's good you have a supportive boss. Mine is the same but I have only learned in these past few years to talk to them if I am struggling. But I only think that is because I am more comfortable there now. I feel part of the furniture. I haven't mentioned potential ASC. I went to her in summer about my struggles and she still checks in with me every now and then to see how I am coping at work. I really value that.

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