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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

  • For myself I did find it helpful - both for obvious reasons (eg when accessing healthcare  it helps providers to better understand your needs and sensitivities) and also in quite subtle ways connected to feeling validated and not blaming myself for finding some aspects of life difficult. I’ve found it’s helped me to be more accepting and forgiving towards myself.  I’m very glad that I decided to face the stress involved in getting an assessment - I was worried about it but it was ok and now I’m really pleased to have a diagnosis. 

  • in reply to Kate Kestrel

    Thank you. 

    Did you find health care providers would understand better after your diagnosis? 

  • in reply to GreenGardener

    I think it has been helpful  - yes. The gp in my practice that I like said that I could always see her instead of having to see whichever doctor is available as she understood my need as an autistic person to have continuity. Not that I hardly ever go to the gp as I avoid medical things whenever possible! It helped with my dentist though as she understood that my being autistic meant I might find some things more challenging - and she responded very sensitively to that. 

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  • in reply to GreenGardener

    I think it has been helpful  - yes. The gp in my practice that I like said that I could always see her instead of having to see whichever doctor is available as she understood my need as an autistic person to have continuity. Not that I hardly ever go to the gp as I avoid medical things whenever possible! It helped with my dentist though as she understood that my being autistic meant I might find some things more challenging - and she responded very sensitively to that. 

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