Morning all. I've suspected I'm autistic for about 3 years now having been "peer reviewed" by other neurodiverse friends and relatives. Have had mental health problems and presumably burnouts (lost jobs, friends etc) nearly 40 years etc etc. My GP suggested Right to Choose but I'm terrified having read some of the reviews of places clearly unsuitable and providing poor services. Is there really any benefit to a formal diagnosis and does anyone have any advice about negotiating this labyrinth?
The strange thing I noticed was when I took myself for a diagnosis through self exploration because there was an article about it in a journal I was reading. Mostly because I’m very socially overwhelmed, I prefer quiet reading and studying over partying - I used to read Latin at 15 extra curricular. Im not great at making conversation , I prefer company and maybe playing a game. I have a serious aversion to crunchy noises but am otherwise quite a relaxed person.
It wasn’t until after I was exploring and receiving a diagnosis that people started labelling me as a problem or with problems but inventing the problems entirely. It was very difficult for me to keep the evidence to prove otherwise and it was very distressing to be overpowered by a group of manipulative people but I was lucky In the fact I had a lot of support and positive friendships. Some people even randomly try to accuse you of being controlling without any supporting information just wild accusations. I don’t think I would tell many people in the future - I think this is a lot to do with their need for control / power and the need to dominate, maybe insecure around me because I’m very clear and articulate. I’d let HR know if I needed support with problems that haven’t arisen yet but other than that I’ll continue to be quiet, kind, supportive and take my time in making decisions…. I’m very aware that people try reverse psychology on you to trick you when asking questions and also tell you to do the wrong thing. So I stay dependent on myself only and people I know and trust such as family
Yeah that is horrific and I’m sorry that happened to you. Yes and I guess it does give you and will give you slightly more protection from being bullied in the work place in the future as you will be more equipped with the knowledge
I wish I hadn’t told anybody….i had a horrific experience and prior to telling anybody I had everything in my life sorted out, plenty of friends - I was always slightly aloof but kind. I only explored a diagnosis due to self development and I had been reading about it in a journal so I was doing it for a positive reason
If you are into self development then yes. You may feel differently once you receive a diagnosis depending on your personal expectations and how they may be influenceed by those around you. Bear in mind it can up to four years to have an assessment.
Is there really any benefit to a formal diagnosis and does anyone have any advice about negotiating this labyrinth?
The biggest benefit is you know if you are autistic of not. With this you can educate yourself on how to make life better (allowing for your autistic traits) you can find ways to interact with others that are less stressful and you can spot no end of things that can be stressers and can find ways to ease them.
There is no need to tell anyone - in fact many wish they hadn't because they did not have a positive experience in doing so.
There is a good article on the assessment process here that should put your mind at rest:
If you are going to do it, do it for you. Knowledge = power.
I would recommend if finances allow to get a psychotherapist for a half dozen sessions once you have the diagnosis as they can give so many helpful pointers on how to make life better in light of this knowledge - they will be honest and direct and often can help with stuff that you are struggling with (jobs, friends etc) and give you the tools to improve your lot if you choose to.
Is there really any benefit to a formal diagnosis
It depends on the individual. I cannot see a benefit for myself - I've researched autism enough and done enough online tests that I'm comfortable identifying as autistic, and I wouldn't get any support if I was formally diagnosed. I'm retired now, but when I was working I asked for adjustments at work and got them.
However it really does help some people.
Without a formal diagnosis I would still be struggling to maintain my sanity at work. Unfortunately with diagnosis I have been excluded from my occupation and is subject to an employment tribunal.
But and it's a big but! Having the diagnosis has confirmed that I am not broken but just different and I try to be a compassionate with myself and recognise what effects certain things have on me and try to find safe sensible workarounds.
Without a formal diagnosis, I wouldn’t have had the adjustments made for me at work, which have been a massive help. Besides workplace adjustments, I think having a formal diagnosis provides validity, that what you’re experiencing is real. I say go for it.
The decision to seek a formal diagnosis is a personal one. Ultimately it may not change anything, but could enable you to get additional support if needed or ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at work. I was in my early 40s when I was diagnosed and it was the validation aspect that made such a huge difference to me and that has made it easier for me to deal with the challenges I’ve always had. I appreciate the wait times are daunting, but perhaps it’s worth getting on the list now rather than continuing to think about it and then having to wait longer. As for poor services, reviews will help you identify the better clinics. When I was looking I researched clinics that had experience working with older autistic women for example rather than one that was mostly assessing children. The other option is a private assessment, but I appreciate not everyone can spare the money for these.
