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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
  • MarcoPolo said:
    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.

    My experience was that it helped me identify the cause of my issues, the specific traits that related to it and gave me the starting point to research these traits.

    With this info I undertook sessions with several psychotherapists (until I found one that I gelled with) and was able to work through so much stuff and develop effective coping techniques for the traits that were most problematic for me.

    It allows me to function quite normally now in society when I choose to but also gives me the confidence to walk away or say no when needed and generally gives me loads more energy to spend on things that are meaningful to me.

    In essence, knowledge = power.

    If you choose to use the NHS it can be a very long wait, even using the Right to Choose route and privately it is probably going to cost £1-2k, so these are factors to consider.

Reply
  • MarcoPolo said:
    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.

    My experience was that it helped me identify the cause of my issues, the specific traits that related to it and gave me the starting point to research these traits.

    With this info I undertook sessions with several psychotherapists (until I found one that I gelled with) and was able to work through so much stuff and develop effective coping techniques for the traits that were most problematic for me.

    It allows me to function quite normally now in society when I choose to but also gives me the confidence to walk away or say no when needed and generally gives me loads more energy to spend on things that are meaningful to me.

    In essence, knowledge = power.

    If you choose to use the NHS it can be a very long wait, even using the Right to Choose route and privately it is probably going to cost £1-2k, so these are factors to consider.

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