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Is there a need for formal diagnosis?

Vix

Hi there 

I'm new on here as you can see Slight smile

I don't have a formal diagnosis, but my therapist some years ago (whilst I was having grief therapy after my husband died) said that he felt it was likely I was autistic. I'll be honest, I had already suspected that may be the case. Since then I have done a lot of research which has, for me, only served to further confirm this. I've found this very useful, especially in terms of helping me to explain (to myself) some of my own responses/actions & feel less like a total weirdo! Also, seeing others describe coping strategies etc has been helpful. I now self identify as autistic, if only inside my own head as I haven't shared this with anyone yet.

My question is - is there any real need to get a formal diagnosis? I didn't pursue it when my therapist mentioned it (I had bigger fish to fry) and am fairly terrible at self-care especially when it comes to interacting with doctors/medical professionals etc generally- which would only serve to make what looks like a difficult & stressful process worse.

I don't seem to need any adjustments at work or such, so I don't see that a diagnosis would be of practical benefit. 

I would like to start being more active in autism communities such as this one (whereas before I have only ever 'lurked'). Would having - or being in the process of getting - a formal diagnosis help me to be more accepted in those communities? I don't know if self-identifying is really "acceptable"

I also haven't shared that I think - am very certain, really - that I'm autistic with anyone irl, beyond a passing comment made to my mum some years ago. I don't tend to share things about myself,  so that's not surprising! And it's certainly not out of shame or wanting to hide it. But I am aware that one thing that stops me from telling eg family members is that I wonder if they would expect a formal diagnosis. What have been yoir experiances with that? (For what it's worth I don't think any/many of them would be likely to be very surprised, given what they know of me!!) 

I'd really appreciate any thoughts you have.

Thank you.  

  • Perhaps you shouldn't worry too much about what other people think. Self identifying is fine and is enough for many people to find the things that help them for themselves, and certainly I think the rest of us respect that.

    If you want a formal diagnosis, it can be a long road, but one you should take if you want it for you. The GPs (and boy do I get that one) is one area where you might decide a diagnosis might help. They might tailor better to your health care needs, but ultimately, you are the best judge.

  • If you are not in need of accommodations at work, or 'disability support' from the government, then there is little or no practical benefit from a diagnosis. It is then down to personal preference. Like many autistics, I find certainty reassuring; so once I had come to the conclusion that I was autistic, I really needed the confirmation of a clinical diagnosis. 

  • in reply to JimTheFish

    That's really helpful,  thanks for replying

  • I don't think you'd have to worry about being 'more accepted' with a formal diagnosis. By and large, I've found that people will accept you in the community regardless. I did find that a formal diagnosis did help greatly (like you, the whole issue was brought into the light as a result of reaction to bereavement). I found it did help me start to make sense of things a lot more and I kind of wish I'd done it sooner. But if you feel it would make you uncomfortable, I'm not sure there's any actual need to formally go down that path.