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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

  • Imposter syndrome is real even when you have formal diagnosis. I am not sure how you deal with that without one.

  • in reply to Stuart333

    I don't have a formal diagnosis and I dealt with my imposter syndrome by making autism my special interest and reading everything I could find about it, which all confirmed my own belief that I was on the spectrum.

    Being part of this community also helped - when someone posted about an experience and I thought, yeah, I do / think / feel that too! Or when I posted about something I experienced and others said yeah, they knew exactly what I meant.

    I also think that it doesn't really matter whether I would get a formal diagnosis or not, if others on this forum relate to me and I relate to them and can sometimes provide useful advice or insights, that makes me feel less like an imposter and more like part of a community. Which is the main reason most of us are on here. 

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