Sorry if this seems stupid. My kid was diagnosed with type 1 autism, formerly asperger’s. We weren’t even testing them for that (it was adhd), but the doc pointed out a lot of behaviors that are classified as autistic. I never thought of those behaviors that way, because I did a bunch of that stuff when I was a teen, too. I just learned I was weird and figured the rest was due to my super dysfunctional family. I’ve learned to cope. I keep my weirdness to myself and pass for a normal person pretty well. No one would ever guess I’m autistic (again, I’ve no diagnosis but it’s implied).
So, with that context, would there even be a point to getting a diagnosis? What would it benefit me? I’m middle aged, so I don’t need educational accommodations. I’ve learned to adapt, so idk if I’d even be diagnosable.
Idk. I’m still just messed up learning that my kid, who I thought was neurotypical and a LOT like me is considered autistic. How different would my childhood have been if I had been evaluated when I was younger?
I’m perfectly comfortable having self-diagnosed. The diagnosis fits me like a glove, explains so much, and has reframed my entire life in a way that can now be (re)interpreted in a healthy way. My only regret is that I wasn’t diagnosed much, much sooner. (I’ve only known for going on 2 years and I’m in my 50’s.) I don’t see a particular need, in my personal case, to get professionally diagnosed. However, if you’re not comfortable self-diagnosing and you are on the spectrum then getting an official diagnosis really could be a life changing event.
I 100% agree with what @BeautifulMind said and it’s what I would have written, except I’m not that skilled of a writer. :)