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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 didn't think that I would want to seek an official diagnosis at first, but I decided to in the end because I wanted to be absolutely sure. I might have been able to live with the slight uncertainty if I was alone, but my husband has been quite hostile to the idea that I might have Asperger's syndrome and I need proof. I realise he still might not accept it, but at least I'll have tried. I also want whatever follow up help there might be out there (such as it is) for me and my family.

    Self diagnosis was a lot less stressful than this, which surprised me. I think putting myself forwards for assessment has made it more real. I've been remembering past events in my life with a new perspective, and I don't like some of what I see. But I can also see that some blunders weren't my fault. I've been reading all the books I can find which have positive things to say about autism, and more convinced than ever that I am on the spectrum.

    I did have a moment of "epiphany" when I realised, just for a moment, that I am made the way I am, and this is me, and I am whole. But the next day I was in turmoil again.

    Sometimes I wish I hadn't started it, but it's too late to "put the genie back in the bottle" now. No matter what the outcome, even if I get told I don't actually have Asperger's the process is changing me. I hope it turns out to be an improvement.

Reply

  • I didn't think that I would want to seek an official diagnosis at first, but I decided to in the end because I wanted to be absolutely sure. I might have been able to live with the slight uncertainty if I was alone, but my husband has been quite hostile to the idea that I might have Asperger's syndrome and I need proof. I realise he still might not accept it, but at least I'll have tried. I also want whatever follow up help there might be out there (such as it is) for me and my family.

    Self diagnosis was a lot less stressful than this, which surprised me. I think putting myself forwards for assessment has made it more real. I've been remembering past events in my life with a new perspective, and I don't like some of what I see. But I can also see that some blunders weren't my fault. I've been reading all the books I can find which have positive things to say about autism, and more convinced than ever that I am on the spectrum.

    I did have a moment of "epiphany" when I realised, just for a moment, that I am made the way I am, and this is me, and I am whole. But the next day I was in turmoil again.

    Sometimes I wish I hadn't started it, but it's too late to "put the genie back in the bottle" now. No matter what the outcome, even if I get told I don't actually have Asperger's the process is changing me. I hope it turns out to be an improvement.

Children
  • in reply to Misheard Lyrics

    I can identify with a lot of what you say. 

    I only got my ASD diagnosis on Friday but it feels like a huge weight has been lifted. I have spent a lot of time feeling responsible for various upsets without realising the limitations being autistic placed on me. I am going to be much kinder to myself now. 

    Whether other people accept my diagnosis kindly remains to be seen. If they don't I will start to distance myself from them. I have spent too many years suffering it's time to find some joy in life now!