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?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It all depends on how life is going and how I'm coping at the time. I often wonder if I hadn't been diagnosed if I would be so greatly affected. I definitely wouldn't have been sectioned five times, I know that for sure.
Overall though the relief I got when I was first diagnosed is something I remember really well because it was the first time I felt I properly knew who I was and belonged in this world. It answered a lot for me and I'm so glad about that. I have some regrets, I think that's natural, but overall I am happy that I was diagnosed :)