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Should I continue with the formal autistic identification process?

Ausomely Autistic

Hello fellow autistic people. I was wondering whether you could help me with your wise advice.

 I started the formal autism diagnosis process about 2 years ago and I am yet to have any initial assessment/any progress. I  am not sure whether to continue with this progress or just give up.

My autistic identity is very strong and positive thanks to my connection with my own neurokin (including this wonderful autistic community) and I feel like the diagnostic process will be very negative and unnecessarily pathologising. I feel like I have learned so much about my autistic needs and our culture by being part of this community and I feel like formal identification will almost ruin my sense of autistic self.

If you want to share, what were the benefits of formal autistic identification for you?

Thanks.

Parents

  • You need to do what is right for you.

    What will make you happy. 

    A diagnosis doesn't help everyone.

    It gives some people answers, that long sought after belonging.

    But it sounds like you've found that yourself already. I wish I had been able to do that.

    This isn't wise so sorry ifmy reply was unhelpful and rubbish.

Reply

  • You need to do what is right for you.

    What will make you happy. 

    A diagnosis doesn't help everyone.

    It gives some people answers, that long sought after belonging.

    But it sounds like you've found that yourself already. I wish I had been able to do that.

    This isn't wise so sorry ifmy reply was unhelpful and rubbish.

Children
  • in reply to Queen

    Your reply is not unhelpful or rubbish, it is so thoughtful and kind! Thanks so much!

    Queen said:
    What will make you happy. 

    A very simple but powerful response.

    I definitely agree that I don’t need answers, I am certain of my autistic identity.

    Queen said:
    But it sounds like you've found that yourself already. I wish I had been able to do that.

    I am sorry you were not able to find answers about your autistic identity earlier, hopefully being involved in this autistic community has given you much needed answers and knowledge about your own autistic experience. We can learn so much from sharing our lived autistic experience with each other.

    Thanks for your reply.