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Is it worth getting diagnosed? (UK)

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Ukguy
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19 Jan 2015, 12:57 pm

seahawksfan46 wrote:

It depends on if you feel that it's necessary for you to do so. Are you looking to obtain some assistance as well?


Well I would like to obtain some kind of talking therapy other than CBT. I have ongoing depression which is made worse by the fact that I don't function well socially. An explanation for my social problems and any support in dealing with them may help me. A firm diagnosis to explain my issues to employers may help me when it comes to job hunting?

I also feel it would explain a lot of things and give me a reason as to why I have these problems and felt the way I do all my life. But it would also be sad, because it means I would have to finally accept I simply cannot change certain things.

I think I would feel less ashamed with a diagnosis of ASD rather than mental health depression/social anxiety. Although I think ASD carries just as much stigma?



ASPartOfMe
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20 Jan 2015, 1:22 am

Fnord wrote:
Ukguy wrote:
Fnord wrote:
It's worth getting an official and objective diagnosis, if only to give yourself legal recourse if you're discriminated against in education, employment, or housing. Otherwise, if you are satisfied with only a subjective self-diagnosis, why bother to take it any further?
I think it is the definitive nature of a diagnosis from an expert that appeals as it doesn't leave much room for doubt. The more I read about it the more I think "yeah that is me", for example I read about "stimming" and facial grimacing and I do both. But it is possible I am now reading up too much and subconsciously attributing 'normal' behaviors as 'traits' of ASD, if that makes sense? A diagnosis might allow me to stop trying to fix my issues with medications and therapy too. For example social anxiety should in theory be treatable, where as difficulty with social interaction and eye contact due to being an aspie is never going to be 'fixed'.
Then again, you might receive a diagnosis of something other than an ASD. If so, what would you do then?


Hopefully give you an explanation and availability to services. As far as stigma it depends but people tend to have a more of a general understanding of other conditions then they do ASD.


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“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman