Is self diagnosis good enough?

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For some people self diagnosis is enough, for others a professional diagnosis is preferred, or even needed. For me self diagnosis is enough. I learned about about Asperger's in my late 40s, and saw myself in it. After doing some research on my own, I knew that this is what I have been dealing with all my life. Finally knowing what my problem is, was a big relief. I am on disability due to other health issues, so I don't need additional financial aid to deal with it, and at my age, all I can really do for my Asperger's is to keep using the coping methods I found over the decades of my life. I also take B vitamins, as I read some years ago that they help with depression, which is a co-morbid with my Asperger's. And yes, the B vits really do help me. They don't make me ecstatic or happy, but they do lessen my depression to the point that I can deal with it on my own, without drugs. They keep me at a sort of bland level, which is much better than being really depressed. On those rare occasions when I run out of them, or skip taking them several meal times in a row, I notice a downward trend in my moods--I start getting depressed and more emotional.

Besides not needing additional funds from a diagnosis, I am not a good candidate for treatment. When I was young I was taken to many, many psych docs and therapists to try to "fix" me. No one knew about Autism or Asperger's back then. I hated the therapy sessions. I also hated the drugs some of the docs put me on, so I don't want any more therapy or psych meds if I can avoid it. Several years ago I did do therapy for several months for depression, but that was the only way I could qualify for Medicaid, and then other assistance. Welfare and Medicaid didn't think my other more serious health issues merited medical or other assistance, but someone being seriously depressed and feeling a little suicidal did get me a medical voucher to get a diagnosis that would qualify for assistance, so I forced myself to go through the therapy for a while, until the therapist decided I didn't need to come any more. I used the temporary Medicaid coverage to get my other health issues checked out and worked on. Once I had all these medical records, I was able to use them to qualify for regular Medicaid, and financial aid. My depression got better once I started to get assistance, as not having money, and being unable to work to get any due to my other health issues was part of why I was so depressed. The other reasons I was very depressed at the time were a falling out with a relative I had been living with, and then being homeless for several months. Other relatives were finally able to buy a used trailer for me in another state, close to where they live, so once I got up here, with a roof over my head, and was able to qualify for assistance, naturally my depression started to get better.

I don't want a formal diagnosis for now, anyway. People tend to have mistaken ideas about Asperger's, and that affects how they treat you. I prefer to keep this to myself and my family. I felt they needed to know. When I told my sister, who has had some medical training, about it, she said she had already come to the conclusion on her own, that I have Asperger's, after she read about it, and did some more research on it.

So, since I am not seeking assistance for this, or therapy for it, I don't really need a formal diagnosis. I do believe that it can be a help for kids, teens, and young adults, though. Therapy is more likely to help young people, and if they are dealing with this they may be having employment issues, so they would then need financial assistance, too.

For us older adults, it boils down to whether we need a diagnosis to get assistance, or just want official confirmation.

I have never been a hypochondriac type of person. If I have health issues I do look them up, and get help if needed, like when I had cancer, but I am fine with my own research based Asperger's diagnosis.

I had a hard time finding a professional who worked with Asperger's diagnosis with adults. I was 26 when I had the time and money to go after an official diagnosis, and in my first meeting with the psychologist she told me that almost every adult that came to her suspecting of Asperger's was right. She had just a couple of patients who ended up with another sort of disorder.
The sooner, the better, I would say... But it really depends on what you want to do about it, if it's positive.

IMPACT.

Do the behaviors/traits you mention IMPACT your life in a negative way?

If they do so in a demonstrable way, then you may need HELP. Diagnosis by a professional is typically a necessary step in the process of attempting to secure that help.

I´d say, if you need the reassurance, that you´re right about yourself, - go for it - maybe at university. Making up your identity is important and some need a professional word for it. Having a name for things, if the they turn out to create problems at some point is equally important.
Some people do fine without getting an official label, but some people need it.
I needed mine, because I identified as somewhat autistic all the way, but I got some wrong labels from professional, who didn´t know anyting about high functioning autism in women. It was very confusing.
I was 60, when I got my label and it was a relief.

Becoming aware, either by dx or by own observations, even helps you developing better social skills. Even at my age, I´ve improved mine.