To get diagnosed or not to get diagnosed?

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I've never been officially diagnosed, and I'm contemplating whether or not I should get diagnosed. The advantages I see to it are being able to register with disability services in college and possibly participate in AS groups that could help me cope. Is is a bad idea to get diagnosed though? I got a personal message based on my last post recently that said "If your AS does not block you or deny you from the ability to work or hold a job do not get a diagnosis. It closes much more doors for you than it opens. For example, want to relocate to another country? Want to get a job with the Gov? Want to get a job overseas? The AS diagnosis is labelled as autism and that is all the bureaucrats processing residence/work visa/permit applications see and it is instant denial."

I have a job at a coffee shop right now, so my social skills are adequate to the point that I can hold a job. Has anyone experienced having a diagnosis prevent opportunities, or does having a diagnosis help? I want to hear some personal experiences before I brand myself with a label. What benefits and disadvantages has being diagnosed brought?

I'm contemplating pursuing a diagnosis myself, but I don't totally know how that could affect me

It comes down to one question: Do I need more help? If you can manage work, school and society without the benefits of 'official' diagnosis, then I'd say don't bother. If you know you have Asperger's, then the opinion of some guy with 'Dr' in front of his name will make little difference in your life.

Are we supposed to duplicate our responses across every one of these threads?

I'm quite uninterested in finding out for sure whether or not I actually have it. I see a lot more downside to a diagnosis than I see any possibility of there being much good to come out of it.

I wouldn't really know about the effects of being diagnosed - I'm not diagnosed. However, I am going to a psychologist in a couple of months because of advice given by my diabetic nurse and doctor, so I'd imagine that if I actually have Asperger's, they'll pick up on it. I wouldn't be afraid of a diagnosis, and it would be nice to have an actual confirmation behind my suspicions and I don't know if I actually do need help. I can interact well enough to get by, but I find myself frustrated by a lot of things that perhaps simply having discussions with a professional about would help. I'd only really recommend going out of your way to get a diagnosis if you feel that you need one, anyway.

Well I got diagnosed when I was 17, and I would say it has been a great help.
My ASD doesn't hugely impact many elements of my life, but having a diagnosis has helped me understand why I am how I am. It means that I feel less guilty about being myself, and in school, my diagnosis means that staff understand me more, and give me that bit more leeway in lessons to make sure that my emotional state doesn't deteriorate.
If ASD traits are making you confused upset, or causing problems such as anxiety or depression, I would definitely suggest pursuing a diagnosis. Look on the bright side, it is unlikely to do any harm.
Liz

I wouldn't recommend it. I don't know what it's like to be undiagnosed, but I've had to live with so much crap because of my diagnosis. I've been diagnosed since I was four. I do get "extra help", but a lot of it doesn't help and I have to deal with resentful NTs. A lot of adults treated me like I was way younger than my actual age. I still have to deal with this crap.

I'm 14, and now that I have an Asperger's diagnosis, my teachers understand me MUCH better. That's really all it's done for me, though. But since my diagnosis at 11 I think I've fell out of the criteria a bit, so I don't know. Knowing what causes your problem can be a catalyst for further understanding and overcoming the hindrances that come with it... But if you truly believe that you're autistic, then seeking a diagnosis doesn't really matter at this point in your life. You're definitely smart enough to seek your own personal remedies, and I personally don't think you require the aid of a psychiatrist. You could join an adult ASD support group, I guess -- but Wrongplanet is just that!

I would discourage a diagnosis due to the fact it limits job options. For instance you cannot pursue any form federal employment which includes military service in most if not all countries.

From my personal experience, I hate being diagnosed due to the fact I can no longer enlist which ends the tradition of all males in my family serving in the military.

Also for the most part it is redundant to get diagnosed if your high functioning.