• Replies 84 replies
  • Subscribers 116 subscribers
  • Views 10643 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?

  • 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. 

  • I think if you want validation yourself then do go for it, others they know without seeking a diagnosis and see no benefit.

    Do you think it may help you perhaps seek accommodations at work ? although I believe legally you don't need a formal diagnosis - happy to be corrected on this.

    As support is patchy it may be worth checking any adult support groups near you, and seeing whether they only provide support for diagnosed adults.  I just checked my local group - and they're OK with self-identify/discovered.  

    I'm having Therapy after my recent late diagnosis and now been screened for general anxiety and social anxiety, and TBH I'm debating if I should seek official diagnosis for those or not, especially as its largely seems that as far as my couple of months of awareness/understaing goes, they often co-exist with Autism.

    Good luck with your decision - good that your family supports you too.

  • It’s very individual, to some people it helps, others don’t get any help. Many people complain about being perceived as childish or other ways negative by others after disclosing the diagnosis, or hear the “you don’t look like”. Maybe it’s good to discuss it with your therapist (the pros and cons) if you didn’t yet. I myself know, that I would like to join a support group and for that I need dx. It’s hard and complicated for me. If it’s only for knowledge, for me personally it’s not so important. I made myself Tests that indicate quite strong autistic traits, also my therapist suspects me autistic. I think the diagnosis could have helped me a lot if I was diagnosed as a kid. But now I’m not anymore and I won a lot of battles with my own flaws. Like for example meltdowns whenever something was misplaced and I couldn’t find it. 

  • Yes and no. I have an official diagnosis for my son. I still feel I am constantly fighting for support but I think it makes it a little easier, so I would definitely pursue it. Good luck.