Is there a point of me getting an Autism diagnosis?

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My parents and basically every single teacher I've ever had has said that I have Autism. But my parents have never let me have a diagnosis because they don't want me to be labelled as Autistic. The school won't give me any support unless I have a diagnosis and I really need the support. I'm barely attending, my attendance is around 65% now.
Is it worth me getting a diagnosis?
If so, how do I approach the topic with the parents?
And what is the diagnosis process like? How long does it take usually?
Oh, and I'm a 14 year old girl who lives in the North West, if that makes any difference.

Yes, in your case, it may help. Especially since your school is putting restrictions on the assistance they will/will not give based on official diagnosis.

That being said, you will have to ask your parents for it. Your school may be able to request that you be tested. If your attendance is only 65%, you are risking truancy, and if your parents are charged with it, you could possibly ask for testing at that point, at which they may not have choice.

Testing varies by who does it. Usually it is a sequence of tests and interview/therapy type evaluation.


What is it about you being labelled autistic that worries them? If you are, the label doesn't change anything about you. You are autistic with or without the label. The label will basically just help your school have a 'reason' to help you the way they should. (Actually, at that point, they may have to).

Hi IndieKid. Tricky without knowing why your parents are so against the idea. But your post does suggest a few things that you might point out to them...

- Your teachers have already said to you that they think you are autistic. So you have actually already been "labelled". So not having a formal diagnosis isn't really working to prevent labelling.

- An official diagnosis is only revealed to the people that you want to reveal it to - except for your doctor, maybe. It is perfectly possible to carry on keeping it a secret when that is appropriate.

- Your poor school attendance is not because you think that school is unimportant, and you do want to do well. You are taking a "grown up" attitude to working out what the problem is and finding a solution, so that you can get the most out of your education.

- If you do not have an autism diagnosis, and then people think that your behaviour is strange to them, what other explanation could you say? If you don't have an explanation, they might jump to the wrong conclusions, and could "label" you with all sorts of other things - and sometimes those wrong labels could be very hurtful, or lead people to take the wrong actions when there is a problem that needs dealing with.

Most important of all, try and discuss this as factually and calmly as possible so that it doesn't come across as argumentative. If you can behave as a mature young woman acting out of concern for your own future, and show that you are thinking about avoiding difficulties that could create problems for your parents too, then they should be proud of you for that. Maybe try and write down what you want to say first, so that you won't be distracted and forget important points once you all start talking.

Getting the support you need is precisely WHY you need the diagnosis. Once our son's school had the official diagnosis they bent over backwards to support him. Without it, they COULDN'T do anything, because that's how beurocracy works. Unless they have the paperwork, they are powerless to help.

I could rant about this for hours, and feel free to PM me if you want to talk, but your parents need a swift kick up the backside. Autism isn't a label, it's a reason for things being the way they are, and the diagnosis is the key to getting you the help and support and understanding you deserve.

I believe you do need to approach someone ... As it certainly seems it is effecting you in a number of ways... I think your parents are just in fear of what they ""Think"", they know about the spectrum, rather than the true facts! ... I can only say from my experience, but being 40 and only recently being pointed out to me by a number of professionals, i cannot emphasis the level of relief i felt! It has been a VERY difficult journey/lonely not knowing and if the information was more available at a younger age for myself back then it would have helped tremendously!...

As mentioned, maybe talk to the school Councillor and explain why it is important to you, they may set up a meeting ( possibly with your consent) to explain it in more detail to your parents, sometimes hearing it from another adult might shake them into realization rather than sweeping it under the carpet due to safeguarding their own egos ( possibly)...

Again it goes back to the same thing, its about education, not just for yourself, but your parents, friends general public etc... Having the tools now to deal with certain situations is such a HUGE thing!! ! i cannot emphasis that enough!...

here is an address and number of an Autism group in your area... If you can give them a call and explain what is happening, im sure they have heard similar situations many, many times... and they will be very accommodating im sure!

Also the tests are none intrusive, its mainly just questions and a some written, some may seem odd but do have a purpose... Better get the help now as when you are a little older it is much harder to get appointments..

Depending on availability of a specialist, it can be several months, but i think because of your age you should be prioritized pretty quickly!

38 Sandy Road Cedar House, Liverpool Area, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Phone: 0151 920 5000

Best of luck!