TLDR: Can I get a diagnosis through right to choose and not have it on my medical records?
I am on a waiting list for an autism assessment through right to choose. I should have had it by now based on the wait list times when I was referred but apparently referrals have increased significantly so there will be a delay. Not sure why this would affect my place in the queue and communication from them is pretty poor but I'm not in a rush.
I am however, having doubts about going ahead at all. I was very keen to do it initially but as the months have passed by I am seeing less need, in terms of validation. I am autistic - I know this to be the case. I score highly on every test I do and it explains so much about me. I'm self employed so require no adjustments at work and I don't feel I need a diagnosis to prove anything to anyone else. The main reason to do it at this stage is curiosity and learning more about myself and I think this alone is enough to make me want to get a diagnosis.
I have worries however about this being made official and my medical records being stamped "Autistic" for ever more. I worry about the future and what possible ramifications this could have that we don't currently know about. I'm not ashamed but I feel the lack of understanding from others leads to autistic people being put in a box and considered "less than". I don't consider myself "less than" in any way. In fact I consider myself superior in some ways to neuro typical people - more logical, more observant, more independent. Sorry if that sounds arrogant!
As I am currently completely unable to decide what to do, I guess it comes down to one question. Can I get a diagnosis through right to choose and not have it on my medical records? I don't consider it a medical thing - I was just born with a less common brain type so I don't think it is relevant to my medical records.
