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Benefits of a formal diagnosis?

Danjo

I am a 54 year old man and have done the ASQ and other online tests and have scored consistently in the autism ranges. A lot of my life experiences make more sense now - including extended bouts of anxiety and depression, insomnia, situational anxiety, introceptive confusion and others. I am wondering now about the benefits of a formal diagnosis. I’d welcome advice from others.

Parents

  • Rather than getting a formal diagnosis, I’m thinking about just getting some CBT counselling. I have tried CBT before but never through the lens of being autistic and never with a counsellor who specialises in autism. Has anyone tried autism- directed CBT and has it helped? I feel trapped in thought cycles (overthinking) and am struggling to unmask fully. Would be great to tap into others’ experiences. Thanks 

  • in reply to Danjo

    I had initiated talking to a counselor at the same time I decided to pursue a diagnosis, mainly as I was at a point where something needed to change as I clearly wasn't coping. 

    It was interesting as by the time I saw her, she said she'd sometimes has clients where they realise they are autistic but she says you only need to do a diagnosis if you need it for work or personal acceptance, otherwise she doesn't push people for one (she doesn't diagnose but has experience with people). So yeah, that is an option. 

    I've only had a few sessions and have mainly just been telling her my baggage and she's helping point stuff out, I don't know if that's CBT, but speaking to someone is helping I think.

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  • in reply to Danjo

    I had initiated talking to a counselor at the same time I decided to pursue a diagnosis, mainly as I was at a point where something needed to change as I clearly wasn't coping. 

    It was interesting as by the time I saw her, she said she'd sometimes has clients where they realise they are autistic but she says you only need to do a diagnosis if you need it for work or personal acceptance, otherwise she doesn't push people for one (she doesn't diagnose but has experience with people). So yeah, that is an option. 

    I've only had a few sessions and have mainly just been telling her my baggage and she's helping point stuff out, I don't know if that's CBT, but speaking to someone is helping I think.

Children
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