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Newbie Q: does a professional diagnosis help? is it worth the stress?

MarcoPolo

A pre-disclaimer!
I understand that everyone's condition is unique and I'm sure that diagnosis has been hugely helpful to many. I'm 52 and wondering if it is worth it for me since I have got this far in life with out it so far, though the struggle is hard. I dont mean to put judgement on the diagnosis, the condition or any individual. I just don't wish to add more hassle to the complexities of life! Hoping you will understand! Thank you.


Hi,

I saw the introductions group and thought I should join in. I've been reading many of the posts and it is comforting to realise I'm not the only one that has over-sensory conditions and struggles in life. Thank you. It has made me realise I should perhaps speak up as the conversation could help others too.

I'm 52 and currently not officially diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I've been having a long chat with AI on the pros and cons of getting diagnosed as I don't yet know if it would help me or just add to the stress.
In your opinion does a professional diagnosis help? is it worth the stress? Why should I or why shouldn't I go for a professional diagnosis?

A little background for reference:
I have a close and caring friend that works in mental health that has been helping me.
I score 179 on RAADS-R and similar on the other tests.
Reflecting on life it suddenly makes sense why everything has been so hard.
And when I say suddenly, I have been studying this for the last 12 months.

I have lots more to ask but I'll not spam the forum (yet!)

Thank you.

(BTW my name isn't Marco but I'm very discreet about my condition at the moment) 


Parents

  • Hi.
    I was recently diagnosed with autism after waiting nearly 5 years for my diagnosis, and at times I thought it can’t be worth the wait, it can’t be worth all this stress. But actually for me at least it was totally worth it! Yes, it was stressful at times, the waiting was horrible and the place I was assessed was the same place my mum attended her mental health appointments so that brought back bad memories too.

    But it was worth it for me. Just knowing I’m autistic has explained so much for me and having that validation means a lot more to me than I first thought it would. It probably won’t make a huge difference to everybody, we are all different after all, but to me it’s changed my life and now I am so glad I was professionally diagnosed.

Reply

  • Hi.
    I was recently diagnosed with autism after waiting nearly 5 years for my diagnosis, and at times I thought it can’t be worth the wait, it can’t be worth all this stress. But actually for me at least it was totally worth it! Yes, it was stressful at times, the waiting was horrible and the place I was assessed was the same place my mum attended her mental health appointments so that brought back bad memories too.

    But it was worth it for me. Just knowing I’m autistic has explained so much for me and having that validation means a lot more to me than I first thought it would. It probably won’t make a huge difference to everybody, we are all different after all, but to me it’s changed my life and now I am so glad I was professionally diagnosed.

Children
  • in reply to Maggie

    So pleased to learn that your long wait is finally over, and that is a long time, I didn't realise it took so long!
    Validation, I hadn't thought of that. When I was diagnosed as depressed over 15 years ago that validation helped me massively. Perhaps something I can consider. Thank you