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!
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!