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Verified or self-diagnosed Autistic/ADHD badges

pietro_21

I would ike to make a suggestion to the site administror via the moderators that users can add verified badges to their profile (also visible on their icon/pictures) which shows how they identify. Diagnosed users may have the choice to upload documentation to verify this. I think this would be a positive step if people want to display this althought there shouldnt be any obligation.

  • in reply to B

    Its a choice to be here either way, I can't prove that I have a diagnosis. Other than talk about it. Not that that should matter, but I would rather be talking about evidence based science.

  • in reply to pietro_21

    I have an experience in one German forum. In that forum everyone must write it whether they have formal diagnosis or not. I did it without any problems. But then i got laughed at for misunderstanding, people didn't wanna engage with me at all, because I'm not officially diagnosed. So I left and not going back there. I think the effect of it could be similar here if it comes to power. 

  • in reply to Cinnabar_wing

    if its optional I don't think its really an issue you can wear it with pride or you can remove it. Maybe even decide who and who can't see it. 

  • in reply to Stuart333

    I think verified badge may helpful with trust/confidence/pride. I don't think anonymity is really an issue as we are already anonymous.

    I can see some members here have been in the community a long time built a rapport and made a huge contribution. So it would not be to discredit them, or to give people with badges any role higher than other members.

    I wouldn't view another user differently, but I would understand what they are saying better knowing their position. 

  • in reply to pietro_21
    pietro_21 said:
    As we are all ingonito anyway I don't see how this could have any negative affect

    I think you would find that it could destabilise those who aren't 'officially' diagnosed.

    I've seen this happen on here in the past in conversations where self-recognised members feel that they shouldn't be here.

    I don't think it should be about how you know, but that you know.

    However, if there is a particular aspect about waiting for diagnosis etc then a thread could be made on that topic.

  • in reply to B

    For me knowing that people are in the same boat. As we are all ingonito anyway I don't see how this could have any negative affect. Particularly if its otional to all users. It can save having to read back old posts or ask awkward questions.

  • pietro_21 said:
    I think this would be a positive step

    Positive in what way and for what purpose?

  • in reply to Cinnabar_wing

    I was never tested although my "autistic traits" had a very significant impact on my daily life in my childhood and teen, but I was simply neglected by my own parents, my mom very actively prevented me from getting any help although I suffered a lot and I can say it's a miracle that im still on this world and managed it somehow but I'm still very much behind others. There are many people who come from "difficult backgrounds" if I can call it this way. This is the only place, where I finally got some sense of belonging.

  • in reply to Alien0n3arth

    Yes I really wouldn't want people to feel less or not able to comment. I think the profile does cover that if people want to add it with the rest of their personal info, it's maybe less intrusive? Even if you decide to get diagnosed, it can take years and not everyone wants/can afford to. It's not even an NHS option in my area, so you can only get one if you pay.

  • I wouldn't call it "self diagnosed' but rather suspected autism. If my therapist told me, he strongly suspects,  that im on the spectrum,  but he himself can nor give me the formal diagnosis and it's in the process,  then should it be called "self diagnosed"? Plus if I'm gonna be treated here somehow worse, just because I don't have the formal diagnosis,  then I would probably leave this forum. I'm tired if being excluded,  being the last one and worst one during my whole life. I'm also not sure, what would be the purpose of classifying us like this. Is the formal diagnosis a guarantee that this is tge right diagnosis and not misdiagnosis? I wrote it voluntarily in my profile by the way, so anyone who is curious,  can see it.

  • What problem are you trying to solve?

    Will you view people's comments differently if you know their position, or give them more leeway?

  • in reply to Wordsmith

    Agreed. It could be perceived like that by some people.

  • My gut reaction is to be very wary of such a classification system even if voluntary. The danger is that it could create a two-tier membership – those whose autism/ADHD has been verified / diagnosed by medical professionals and those who like me ‘merely’ identify as such.