self diagnosed - should i try to get a formal diagnosis?

Hi, I have the odd situation of my DCD (dyspraxia) diagnosis is informally formal. I was working down there corridor from the OT who specalised in the area of diagnosis. A particularly spectacular clumsy moment got her attention and she asked me about neurodiversity. I had a dyslexia diagnosis when I was 15. She ran through the screening tasks with me and told me I'd be in her clinic if I was 8 not 28 :-)

My partner got an ADHD diagnosis at 45 years old. He's 52 and just been screened for ASD (no diagnosis - social skills affected by PTSD) - I believe formal diagnosis has its place especially where there are comorbid health issues such as depression.

Well got a reply to my email to an ADHD clinic asking about a formal diagnosis for autism,cost all in£1500, 

First interview with two health professionals is an interview with someone who knew me as a child,a structured interview (ADI-R).2 1/2 to 3hours.that is then written up and sent to a consultant psychiatrist for review. Stage two,he then see's me and a partner ,about 2hours, If there isn't a person who knew me as a child there will be a specialist interview called an ADOS about one hour.

diagnosis is usually available straight after the interview.

so that's about it then, I cannot afford to spend £1500 and although that is less than I expected it is to much to spend out. As I have always said in my posts I am lucky not to have any major worries,I have managed this far and will continue to do so. I will not be offended if I try to help on here and get told"what do you know you haven't got a formal diagnosis". That is a fact! It doesn't stop me caring and wanting to help others and understand myself as well.

I feel happy chatting on here,sharing things I did and still do without the fear of ridicule or abuse.

I was given the contact details of my local autistic trust by my vocational adviser. The person from the trust visited me to see if I met the criteria for a letter to be sent to my GP. The trust wrote to my GP who referred me to the local hospital who then referred me to the for an assessment. (My GP was not allowed to refer me directly for an assessment because of the way in which such referrals were financed).

If you have a local Autistic Trust (or a similar organisation), perhaps contacting them may be worthwhile.

I was given the contact details of my local autistic trust by my vocational adviser. The person from the trust visited me to see if I met the criteria for a letter to be sent to my GP. The trust wrote to my GP who referred me to the local hospital who then referred me to the for an assessment. (My GP was not allowed to refer me directly for an assessment because of the way in which such referrals were financed).

If you have a local Autistic Trust (or a similar organisation), perhaps contacting them may be worthwhile.