Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello!
I'm excited to finally join and share my experiences with everyone!
I'm 34 and currently currently seeking diagnosis for ASD. Unfortunately I'm currently unemployed and not insured which is very scary as a US citizen.
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 18 and have been suspecting for the last 2 years that I'm likely autistic. I've talked to several doctors on the matter and most agree. The main problem now is that there is absolutely no way I can afford an official diagnosis and it's been HEAVY on my mind for so long now. I lost my job because of missing too many hours from chronic migraines, severe anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
The more I learn, the more I believe I'm going through a heavy burnout episode. Gladly my doctors have been very helpful and I'm getting better slowly but surely.
The main thing I'd really appreciate input on is the validity of self diagnosis. Both of my doctors have basically told me that I should probably just proceed as if I'm officially diagnosed based of their opinion and the fact that all of the tests I've taken have strongly suggested I'm on the spectrum. However, I can't help but to feel a massive reluctance and some sort of imposter syndrome. If I had the resources I would just go for the diagnosis for the piece of mind.
How many of you have had a similar experience? I'd love to hear everyone's journey! I think the insight would help me to move forward. Thanks so much everyone!
HeyGART said:The main thing I'd really appreciate input on is the validity of self diagnosis
Hi and welcome to the community!
I feel that there are two aspects to your question:
Firstly, there's the question of how important a formal diagnosis is to you yourself (compared with self recognition / self diagnosis). In respect of that question, you might find some of the advice here helpful:
NAS - Deciding whether to seek an autism assessment
Secondly, there's the question of what having a formal diagnosis might enable you to access by way of support (of all kinds, but including - for example - in respect of employment-related rights).
As the NAS is a UK-based charity, its resources covering support are also UK-focused. So its information on that subject is likely to less relevant and/or reliable, as it may not apply in the same way as it would for you in the US. We also have relatively few active members here from the US, so peer support with relevant knowledge might be limited.
You might find it helpful to contact and/or refer to resources from the US's own Autism Society, which - including its nationwide network of affiliates "connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming":
(US) Autism Society - Ways to get support
For example, it seems that entitlement to workplace accommodations is enshrined in US law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This and other rights are explained here:
(US) Autism Society - Major Disability Rights Laws and Legal Resources
You are - of course - very welcome here, and this community does have international members. However, it might also be a good idea to seek additional, experience-based advice from a US-based community, where there'll be more people with detailed knowledge of, and opinions on, the matter specifically from a US perspective.
You will be totally welcome here whether formally diagnosed or self-diagnosed. (I think that other autism spaces have this attitude too)
I got to the stage you are and decided against formal diagnosis, however that's because it would not have helped practically as I could look after myself and work part time.
Most of us went through imposter syndrome when we discovered that we were on the spectrum, but self diagnosis is valid and quite a few of us on here are.
Be assured that you will always be welcome here.
Hi, unfortunately my story is different as Im in my early twenties and recently late diagnosed. but i have had similar experience with burnout and imposter syndrome. during school i suffered massively with migraines, severe social anxiety, depression and insomnia. although i am in the UK and im not aware of how getting a diagnosis is in the US. but i really do think self diagnosis is incredibly valid especially as you clearly have researched into it. self diagnosis helped me realise my main struggles and explore ways of accommodating myself before even asking others. although i can relate on imposter syndrome and self diagnosis, for me it never went away until i was diagnosed. but some good advice is that if you were 'faking it' or 'making excuses' (this is what i always thought about) then you wouldn't feel the same way when you're alone. especially if several doctors are agreeing with you and as you have already been diagnosed with ADHD. not sure how much help this was!