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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


  • Hi, 

    Sorry you've faced the abyss of the waiting lists, but it sounds like this has led to some important space for reflection.

    It's so good to hear you have a strong autistic identity. For me this was the main thing I was seeking from the formal ID process - or not a sense of identity as such, but validation: a sense that I had a right to that identity. But in fact, I felt unable to be myself in the assessment, and barely  recognised myself in the report.X'sdeepened a lot of imposter syndrome for me.

    Having said that, it does make me more confident to disclose and ask for access arrangements. 

    Hope that helps a little. Good luck with the decision :)  

Reply


  • Hi, 

    Sorry you've faced the abyss of the waiting lists, but it sounds like this has led to some important space for reflection.

    It's so good to hear you have a strong autistic identity. For me this was the main thing I was seeking from the formal ID process - or not a sense of identity as such, but validation: a sense that I had a right to that identity. But in fact, I felt unable to be myself in the assessment, and barely  recognised myself in the report.X'sdeepened a lot of imposter syndrome for me.

    Having said that, it does make me more confident to disclose and ask for access arrangements. 

    Hope that helps a little. Good luck with the decision :)  

Children
  • in reply to sphynx

    Thanks for your reply. I know many of us seek formal identification for validation.

    sphynx said:
    But in fact, I felt unable to be myself in the assessment, and barely  recognised myself in the report.X'sdeepened a lot of imposter syndrome for me.

    That’s so sad that the report didn’t reflect you, but it’s almost to be expected because the diagnostic criteria is based on an autistic person in distress not our actual autistic experience. Formal identification of your autistic experience should be a positive affirming experience and give you clarity, not make you doubt your autistic experience even more .

    I am worried that I won’t be able to recognise myself at the end of the assessment as well because it is usually so negative.

     I am glad formal identification has given you confidence to advocate for your autistic needs.

    Thanks your response has helped me a lot.