Published on 12, July, 2020
I have recently asked my GP to refer me for an assessment for autism. As I’ve discovered some traits that were autistic. Especially when I was younger. I got my medical notes from birth to 2016. the signs were right there when I was younger, all through growing up to now and not one person (teachers, doctors, therapists) have said anything or recognised anything. I know I am a girl and I know that sometimes girls get lost in the system because we don’t present ourselves as “autistic” like boys present themselves.
So, is it ok to say I’m autistic, while I am waiting for a referral?
Yes! Absolutely! Self identification is perfectly valid!
Thank you! I was always worried, everyone online is like “you shouldn’t self identify.” But I have so much proof of my traits through my medical notes it’s hard not to deny it.
You are very welcome!
You are obviously the expert on your own brain and autistic experiences!
We understand the importance of self identification as many members of our autistic community know how hard it is to gain formal identification, after all it is not a very autistic friendly process.
Finally, welcome to your autistic community!
I am so sorry that you didn’t actually know you that you are autistic and that the information was not accessible to you! You deserve to know who you are!
I can’t imagine how distressing that might have been to find that out knowing that potentially your life could have been different.
I hope we can help you understand your autistic experience and identity!
It’s a huge discovery!
How did you feel about the situation?