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?
I dont regret my diagnosis. Although my wife (who works in SEN in a school), has told me for years i am autistic. I used to think she was joking and just thought i was 'quirky' or selfish.
When i had a complete meltdown and couldnt work or drive i spoke to her and she told me she was never joking. I just wouldnt hear it. I sought my diagnosis and things now seem so obvious i couldnt believe i hadnt realised sooner.
I sometimes get the 'i told you so', but apart from that its all good.
I also get told i cant use it as an excuse, even though i dont feel like i do. So perhaps others sometimes feel that post diagnosis we should be able to moderate our autistic behaviours better than is possible. That is the only negative to my diagnosis. Sometimes i feel like shouting 'Just because i know doesnt mean im fixed!!!!!'
I don't regret it at all, I am proud to be autistic! Being autistic can be hard but there are so many positives to it, to me its like a superpower!
I have also realised that most of the negatives of autism are not actually down to the autism itself, but caused by how poeple react to us and treat us.
Evemisty14 said:I don't regret it at all, I am proud to be autistic!
Wonderfully positive to read! I am very proud to be autistic as well. And proud to be a part of this group.
Astridlora said:Wonderfully positive to read! I am very proud to be autistic as well. And proud to be a part of this group.
So glad you are proudly autistic too! For your information, Autistic Pride Day is on June 18th.