My doctor ordered me a pack of forms and questionnaires to request an assessment for adult autism. In amongst the medical histories and self assessments, this question stuck out;
it is important to know that not everyone who is referred to our service will have a diagnosis of autism confirmed. In the space below, tell us how you think having an autism diagnosis confirmed, or not, might impact on you and your life
What’s going on here? Do you get asked this for other conditions? We’re a community that typically struggles to read between the lines, so I could be way off, but this feels grudging to me. It’s a question that says - what’s the point of us even offering this service, and why are you so special that we should waste our time on you?
I was told “at this point you’ve spent your life learning coping mechanisms and behaviors to get you this far, you’re doing pretty ok … what purpose does this label serve” and kinda went with it but have felt weird about it since.
But thinking about it …. The actual “formal” label / diagnosis might have hindered my life more than being able to describe it “accurately” would have helped.
Idk.
I keep my neurodivergent diagnosis to myself and share only when medically necessary.
It’s a shame, but there’s an instant stigma as people assume they know your problems and your limitations by your label.
Ive been told something similar but thats not the be all end all.
I have ADHD. Recently diagnosed and was asked “Well what does that change?” The thing is, coping mechanisms aren’t typically healthy or optimal. Replacing them with healthier habits, or strategies to manage your condition or using therapy and or meds is typically much better for you overall.
Sure you can get by with coping mechanisms but it doesn’t mean you have to. You have a right to know and to feel in control of yourself and your life. Even just knowing for sure can be helpful.