Does an official diagnosis help

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
  • Hello.

    I'm new here but thought I would contribute to this.

    I've been diagnosed 14 years, I was diagnosed with Aspergers. It helped me gain some answers as to why I was so different and that then led to me feeling less lonely when I realised there's thousands of others like we all across the world. I grew less frustrated with myself and have started being kinder to myself, it's improved my mental health all round really.

    The way I saw it was I had nothing to lose seeking a diagnosis and a whole lot to gain. It's been more rewarding having my diagnosis than I ever imagined.

    I hope whatever you decide on doing it brings you happiness :)

  • Thank you for your reply. 

    I am maybe looking for reasons to be kind to myself through diagnosis. I'm glad your mental health was improved this. I am wondering if it would also help me in that way too. I have made progress in managing my anxiety , however I still get frustrated when I can't explain or understand how or why I feel a certain way. 

Reply
  • Thank you for your reply. 

    I am maybe looking for reasons to be kind to myself through diagnosis. I'm glad your mental health was improved this. I am wondering if it would also help me in that way too. I have made progress in managing my anxiety , however I still get frustrated when I can't explain or understand how or why I feel a certain way. 

Children
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