Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I'm Kodey. I am a 23yr old from South England.
I have signed up here as I am fairly certain I am autistic and I am looking for some support with it. I have done a lot of reading on autism and other things that may present similarly so I am fairly certain that I am autistic. At the moment though, I don't see enough advantages to a diagnosis to weigh out the disadvantages I see with it.
I have been struggling a lot recently with work due to stress and anxiety. No-one there knows the issues I am facing and so I mask all day.
Hi Kodey,
I was diagnosed a week ago aged 34. I've known since 21. I felt it was pointless to get a diagnosis. I was also too scared to see the GP.
However, since finally receiving confirmation it has been such a huge relief emotionally. Even in this short time I've started masking less as now if someone has an issue with me I can say "I'm autistic" rather than "I have some autistic traits" which always sounded so clunky.
As mentioned, you are legally entitled to reasonable adjustments at work, which might help to reduce your anxiety.
Also coming on here and talking to people who feel the same is really helpful, especially if you don't spend time with other autistic people in real life.
What are the disadvantages of a diagnosis for you?
Forgot to ask in the other reply, what was the diagnosis process like for you? How did you find it?
I went private to avoid a lot of the stress of assessment. 2 psychologists came to my house. My mum came to fill in some of my early habits. It took 4hrs in total. Quite draining but I didn't feel massively uncomfortable. Told me there and then.