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Is it worth a diagnosis

WhatsNext1980

Hi,

so, brief history of me - I have a job, reasonably successful but struggle with social and relationships. I confuse what people are saying with what I think they mean, I hide in a corner or with very familiar people at any social function, I get very upset when what I think the 'rule am are get broken - lateness for example. In relationships I struggle to talk and communicate and arguments never start, I simply stop talking and try and hide. If I get pushed/pressed it makesme worse. I have one friend who I talk to every day but he knows me well and ignores or looks over some of my oddities and is always ready to switch topics or talk over my silence when needed.

what I'm trying to decide is whether there's value in a diagnosis... Reading a book recently made me think ' yes - they're describing me. Someone who finally thinks like I do' but do i need someone to confirm it or do I just work on the assumption that I am ? My job won't change, I don't need financial support, I'm high functioning ... But would it help socially and relationship wise to be able to tell people I'm a little different? Would it help me understand me better if it was confirmed ? 

Im not sure I can cope with NHS waiting lairs and a private diagnosis seems to be £2,500 ... I would just appreciate people's thoughts or if there's a cheaper option if I want a 'non-formal' diagnosis as its not like i need to convince the goverment I need support?

please - I'd appreciate the thoughts of others who have been making this journey longer than me ?

Parents

  • In terms of gaining a better understanding of yourself, a formal diagnosis isn't always essential for eveyone.  My own experience since diagnosis is that I have learned much, much more by talking with other people on the spectrum in places like this one.  Despite all their valuable clinical expertise, the majority of the "white coats" are not themselves autistic, and it is also quite common that there is no adult autism service to be passed on to following diagnosis.

    On the other hand, I think Curious makes a very good point.  Life is always subject to unexpected "surprises", and sadly some of them are not of the nice Xmas prezzie kind!  If you later realise that a diagnosis would be beneficial while you're in the middle of some kind of crisis, it could end up being a far more stressful experience than it would be otherwise.

    It can also help if you want or need to discuss autism with friends and family.  Many people are incredibly skeptical of self-diagnosis, and will be inclined to take what you say less seriously if a professional hasn't confirmed it.  This often applies to other health care workers too - I know from experience that therapies like counselling can go awfully wrong if not adjusted to take one's autistic traits into account from the outset.

Reply

  • In terms of gaining a better understanding of yourself, a formal diagnosis isn't always essential for eveyone.  My own experience since diagnosis is that I have learned much, much more by talking with other people on the spectrum in places like this one.  Despite all their valuable clinical expertise, the majority of the "white coats" are not themselves autistic, and it is also quite common that there is no adult autism service to be passed on to following diagnosis.

    On the other hand, I think Curious makes a very good point.  Life is always subject to unexpected "surprises", and sadly some of them are not of the nice Xmas prezzie kind!  If you later realise that a diagnosis would be beneficial while you're in the middle of some kind of crisis, it could end up being a far more stressful experience than it would be otherwise.

    It can also help if you want or need to discuss autism with friends and family.  Many people are incredibly skeptical of self-diagnosis, and will be inclined to take what you say less seriously if a professional hasn't confirmed it.  This often applies to other health care workers too - I know from experience that therapies like counselling can go awfully wrong if not adjusted to take one's autistic traits into account from the outset.

Children
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