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?
No not at all. There’s nothing to regret at all. Do I regret making a decision that changed my life for the better and improved my quality of life? Not in the slightest.
I Don’t think being diagnosed has helped it just becomes a word autism, dont regret it but better support is needed kind regards
Nope. Solved a lot of mysteries for me.
I would rather have the truth than live in the dark. I'd say I was fortunate enough to have been statemented at an early stage of life, that way I knew of the challenges that awaited me as time went on.
My biggest drawback is that I didn't have any good mentorship to help me see my truest potential. My father abandoned me at the tender age of nine, and my step-father was quite a bullish character who was typically drunk. He couldn't handle me, and as such would spend a lot more of his time ridiculing myself, saying how stupid I was and that I wouldn't amount to anything. And for a long time, I believed him.
It was only until after he died did I begin to realise who I was and what kind of a person I am, and to that extent I am always grateful I was told who I was and what I could be capable of. Without that diagnosis, I probably wouldn't be the man I am today
I have been sectioned under the mental health act and diagnosed as a schizophrenic by a psychiatrist during that episode. During family court proceedings I was diagnosed by a qualified psychologist as a narcissist. During separate family court proceedings I was diagnosed with ADHD. I have been diagnosed with major depression by a GP.
nobody I don't want to know needs to know.
I am glad for these diagnosis' because ultimately they have helped me discover the secret to enlightenment and lasting inner peace.
No, no regrets. Being diagnosed was overwhelmingly positive for me. As there is no requirement to disclose a diagnosis to anyone, I don't see how it can act as a limit on future prospects. Obviously being autistic can, and sometimes does, impose limitations, but a diagnosis? No.
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.