Does an official diagnosis help

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! 

Thanks for your reply. 

I mostly want to know for a better understanding of myself. However, support in work would be great. I struggle to hold down a job, often burning out. 

How many assessments and appointments did you have to do? 

Did you find your Gp to be supportive straight away?

Those are both great reasons to pursue a diagnosis! One thing I did  before being assessed was, if I related strongly to a particular autistic experience, I started unmasking that part of me, and creating better systems in my life (though, I did this with help through work - it helped I already had an ADHD diagnosis and my work were supportive when I told them I was pursuing an autism diagnosis too). 

So, the GP wasn't supportive straight away. I ended up arguing with the first GP  I won't go into it but basically he thought I was trying to get undiagnosed with ADHD (i don't know where he got that from) and didn't listen when I tried to correct him. But, I complained and the second GP was fine. 

As for the assessment, it was one appointment that took approx 4 hours, and i broight my mum along for the develomental history part. I know some places break it up into more than one. Then, 3 weeks later I had the 'feedback session' where they told me the outcome. 

I'm still waiting on the full report that theyre posting out. Hope that is helpful information for you

Those are both great reasons to pursue a diagnosis! One thing I did  before being assessed was, if I related strongly to a particular autistic experience, I started unmasking that part of me, and creating better systems in my life (though, I did this with help through work - it helped I already had an ADHD diagnosis and my work were supportive when I told them I was pursuing an autism diagnosis too). 

So, the GP wasn't supportive straight away. I ended up arguing with the first GP  I won't go into it but basically he thought I was trying to get undiagnosed with ADHD (i don't know where he got that from) and didn't listen when I tried to correct him. But, I complained and the second GP was fine. 

As for the assessment, it was one appointment that took approx 4 hours, and i broight my mum along for the develomental history part. I know some places break it up into more than one. Then, 3 weeks later I had the 'feedback session' where they told me the outcome. 

I'm still waiting on the full report that theyre posting out. Hope that is helpful information for you