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kstark

Hello! I was recently, within the last couple of days, told by my therapist that she suspects I may be autistic. I am a 21-year-old female in college, and for context, I was in therapy for a high level of anxiety. I have never considered this possibility, but in speaking with her and doing my own research, things sort of clicked. I am struggling with what to do next. I'm debating moving forward with getting a diagnosis. Does anyone have some pros and cons of diagnosis? Part of me wants to know for sure, but another part of me thinks it shouldn't matter. Any thoughts or help is welcome! Thank you!

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  • Hey I was in the same position as you a few months ago the only real difference was I found out on my own I then pursued a formal diagnosis and got one confirming im autistic.

    I felt very alone my whole life never fitting in and knowing that I'm different from everyone else but never knowing why. Therefore I've basically had an identity problem because I never knew how to fit myself into different social groups and society in general. For me a formal diagnosis has made me feel so much better about myself in that respect I now know that there isn't anything wrong with me I'm just different and my struggles and difficulties are not made up in my head as I've been told many times in my life they are valid and real and now I know why. I still have a LOT of questions about my self it's made me reevaluate my life but in good way I can look back  at situations in my life and know that I wasn't just stupid.

    I kind of understand what you mean when you say it shouldn't matter I wish it shouldn't too but at the end of the day us autistics are not living in a world built for us and at the very least a formal diagnosis would give you access to certain forms of help should you ever find your self in a situations where you need extra money from the government or certain therapies etc.

    If I were you I'd do a more research try and learn as much as you can about autism in adults if you're like me you'll only ever end up relating to what you read, see and listen too and you'll more than likely make a more concrete decision as to whether or not you want a formal diagnosis. I felt like I wanted one purely because I wanted the validation I needed for a long time to confirm my suspicions from someone who is qualified.

    I can go on forever and ever in the post so feel free to message me if you have questions I'll try and answer them as best I can.

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  • Hey I was in the same position as you a few months ago the only real difference was I found out on my own I then pursued a formal diagnosis and got one confirming im autistic.

    I felt very alone my whole life never fitting in and knowing that I'm different from everyone else but never knowing why. Therefore I've basically had an identity problem because I never knew how to fit myself into different social groups and society in general. For me a formal diagnosis has made me feel so much better about myself in that respect I now know that there isn't anything wrong with me I'm just different and my struggles and difficulties are not made up in my head as I've been told many times in my life they are valid and real and now I know why. I still have a LOT of questions about my self it's made me reevaluate my life but in good way I can look back  at situations in my life and know that I wasn't just stupid.

    I kind of understand what you mean when you say it shouldn't matter I wish it shouldn't too but at the end of the day us autistics are not living in a world built for us and at the very least a formal diagnosis would give you access to certain forms of help should you ever find your self in a situations where you need extra money from the government or certain therapies etc.

    If I were you I'd do a more research try and learn as much as you can about autism in adults if you're like me you'll only ever end up relating to what you read, see and listen too and you'll more than likely make a more concrete decision as to whether or not you want a formal diagnosis. I felt like I wanted one purely because I wanted the validation I needed for a long time to confirm my suspicions from someone who is qualified.

    I can go on forever and ever in the post so feel free to message me if you have questions I'll try and answer them as best I can.

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