Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I’m 37 and in the last few years have concluded I’m almost certainly autistic. I prefer the phrase “over the rainbow” to “on the spectrum “ - OK I probably made my phrase up but I think spectrum is an ugly word. My mum and boss are also both convinced I’m autistic.
My question is - should I try to pursue a diagnosis? I spoke to my doctor a couple of years ago and the advice was “there’s not really much of a service to diagnose adults and a label wouldn’t help you” but actually it would. The moment a person who knows me well said they had no doubt that I was autistic a huge weight was lifted. I’d spent my whole life feeling like I wasn’t a proper person - because I didn’t understand people.
But is it enough for me to believe that? Can I explain myself to people by saying I have autism if I haven’t been formally diagnosed? Am I allowed to say that?
Sorry this has rambled on longer than I meant it to. Thanks for reading this far!
No - I wouldnt bother if I were you. I did and wish I didn't... Self diagnosed is all you need.