• Replies 84 replies
  • Subscribers 115 subscribers
  • Views 10179 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Does an official diagnosis help

GreenGardener

Hi. I have been seeing a therapist for about two and a half years now. We have recently been talking about my possible autism. My therapist has said that although she can't diagnose me, my charatiristics/ things that I struggled with would probably be categorised as autism. I have done research myself  and through speaking with family members, think I am autistic.

Is going through with a proper diagnosis worth the appointment s and stress? I am conflicted, some family members are encouraging me to peruse it, others think it's enough that I know myself and can get help in other ways. 

Did getting a official autism diagnosis help other people?

Parents

  • I was very recently diagnosed after wondering and trying to get an assessment for several years. Yes it can be very helpful, for example with adjustments and support in work and education, for understanding yourself, for your own wellbeing and mental health - lots of things really.

    I think, though, regardless of whether it's helpful for those things for you or not, one thing that I found was that I just couldn't let it go. I spent years trying to decide whether to get an assessment, and in the end, now I have my diagnosis, all of that wondering has finally stopped. It's validating and I am starting to put shame aside and accept myself. 

    At least if you request and do the assessment you will know. 

    I will say though. The actual assessment appointments are very tiring and stressful but I'm glad I got them over with! 

Reply

  • I was very recently diagnosed after wondering and trying to get an assessment for several years. Yes it can be very helpful, for example with adjustments and support in work and education, for understanding yourself, for your own wellbeing and mental health - lots of things really.

    I think, though, regardless of whether it's helpful for those things for you or not, one thing that I found was that I just couldn't let it go. I spent years trying to decide whether to get an assessment, and in the end, now I have my diagnosis, all of that wondering has finally stopped. It's validating and I am starting to put shame aside and accept myself. 

    At least if you request and do the assessment you will know. 

    I will say though. The actual assessment appointments are very tiring and stressful but I'm glad I got them over with! 

Children