Hiya!
So a little while ago I realised just how dysfunctional I am, in terms of executive functioning. This lead me to consider to get an ADHD diagnosis, which I am going to go through with (to hopefully see if medication helps). The reason why I believe I have ADHD is because my dad has been diagnosed and in terms of our ability to function day to day, we’re quite similar.
I have, informally, known I was autistic since I was 17 I think. My mum, some years prior, had asked a family friend who has experience diagnosing autism if I had it. She asked after my dad was formally diagnosed. Not sure why she didn’t proceed to ask for a formal diagnosis at a specialised clinic? Presumably because of the cost I would imagine.
For context, I am in Australia. I was going to seek diagnosis for autism a couple years back, but it was going to cost 3 grand. I did find some lower price clinics that cost half that, but still. That pushed me away, especially considering I already know.
My thinking now, or at least before a couple days ago, obtaining an autism diagnosis so I could get some support… but of course, what support lmao?? I am working with a psych right now, and she just accepts I know I am autistic so in that sense there’s no need.
I am wondering if there is any material benefit to getting a formal diagnosis when I already KNOW I am autistic??
-Minty
I got some work accommodations that allow me to do more of my work remotely. So from a practical sense, thats been good.
Otherwise, having confirmation has helped me work on my life from this lens. I think thats allowed some things to improve, but it really hasn’t solved anything.
I got one, but I kind of regret it a little bit although it is nice to have the certainty that I am autistic rather than being 99% sure. I got it in the hopes that neurotype-affirming therapy could be helpful for me but unfortunately it really wasn’t that helpful in the end. And now I have to be a little afraid of if the US government decides they wanna go after autistic people…but since you’re out of the US and have easier access and if you really want that certainty then go for it, but also you don’t need to in order to call yourself autistic either.
I sorta wish I had while I had decent insurance (US).
I never did. I sometimes wish my parents had gotten me diagnosed when I was a kid so that I could have known where to look for support and talk to people who experience the world similarly to how I do. I didnt realize I was autistic until my mid 20s though, and given that I was already independent and functional there really wasnt anything anybody would do to help me. As far as I’m concerned, I can find the support I need without a medical professional, and honestly at this point I’m more worried about “health” secretary Fuckwit McBrainworm being able to being able to dragnet search medical records for autism, find out that I’m autistic, and subject me to whatever sick shit the fascists want for “the disabled”
I never sought a formal autism diagnosis because it’s not like there is a medication for it, and I don’t need accommodations right now. I also know for 100% I’m autistic so it’s not like I doubt it and need proof.
Getting the ADHD diagnosis was super helpful because medication literally changed my life. I would not be able to run my own business without it.
If you end up getting diagnosed as ADHD, and you are pretty sure you are autistic, I recommend looking into AuDHD communities and content. I find that AuDHD is its own beast, and you may not 100% fit in with people that just have ADHD or are just autistic (you’ll still fit in more so than with neurotypicals).
From what I understand these are the common reasons for a diagnosis:
- benefits in school
- benefits in job
- benefits when having to deal with government
- maybe tax benefits
- benefits for travel
- certainty for yourself
- certainty for your friends & family
I was at the point where I could get a formal diagnosis for ADHD and/or for autism and I said no. I said that, because I hated the idea of not being able to survive without benefits (a weird quirk of my anxiety) and because I didn’t want the stigma in case I had to disclose it or anything.
