Published on 12, July, 2020
I was talking to someone the other day as they haven't sought after a diagnosis for ASD as they didn't want to regret it later (as they thought an official diagnosis could limit their opportunities after university), and it got me thinking. I did not consider any of the potential issues after getting an official diagnosis, I just wanted some answers. Unlike them, I have had various mental health issues, and I've tried therapy many times to no avail. Obviously some mental health issues can be co-morbid of ASD and with how I am socially it should have been investigated when I was much younger. It wasn't until I was in my early 20's, fed up of wondering why therapy didn't seem to work for me but wanted to be "normal" I started to consider that I may be autistic. So I went after a diagnosis, which has allowed me to give up notion that one day I can be "normal" if I try hard enough, and I am okay with being different now (after getting over post diagnosis grief). So for me the diagnosis was worth potentially limiting my opportunities (even though I'm 99% sure it won't as my interests and ambitions are not effected as far as I know).
I was wondering what everyone else's experiences or opinions on the matter are?
Nope I don't regret it at all.
Before I was getting denied MH care because I 'might' be autistic. Now I can tell them that I am autistic but they still have to treat me.
I now get support at uni, can get support at medical appointments. Can ask for support at airports and trainstations whithout feeling like a fraud.
The only future activity I'm actively restricted from is the armed forces, which I don't care about, and they'd still stretch that if in a more technical development role.
It's changed my understanding of myself by a lot and others understanding of me and opened many doors in terms of managing life better and given me a framework around which to work.
No regrets, despite the 2.5 year wait.
I am glad that it has helped you with getting access to MH care and that it's benefitted you in many ways. Thank you for sharing your experience