Advantages of formal diagnosis

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Hi All, I'm sure at one point maybe this question has been asked but would you see any advantages to be formally diagnosed with Autism in your late 30's? I am currently undiagnosed but was diagnosed by a Psychiatrist but no formal psychological testing has ever been done so it's not really a "formal" diagnosis. I have been debating whether I should make the investment in getting a formal diagnosis. I know psychological testing can be expensive. I think the biggest advantage I could see is future access to certain services (like housing, help in executive functioning, etc) that I couldn't access now or necessairly on the private sector side. I am mainly thinking of my living situation and being more independent in that area.

I have alot of trouble with executive functioning. I function fairly well in a job situation once I am in it but with living independently on my own there's a lot of work that I might need some assistance with. A part of me also though dosen't want to rely on my state for services. I live in Pennsylvania and my experiences with my state so far for services have been horrendous. I have tried to apply for medical services (insurance) in my state while unemployed and it is just been a awful experience. Luckily I have a sizable amount that I had saved in reserve so I am not in desperate need of insurance at the moment. Others in different states I know may have different experiences but this has just been mine so far. I think I am going to hold off on making any decision at the moment until my job situation stabilizes. I wish I was diagnosed in the past but no use worrying about what you can't change. I appreciate any views you all have

I've not yet sought out a diagnosis myself but anyone who know me well, if they know anything about Autism know I likely have it, I sorta tell on myself in that aspect.

I grew up in the late 1980s/1990s and I was diagnosed with ADD at 5 but I feel that was wrong. No one knew what autism was back then, so until my late 20s I was clueless on why I was so damn weird. Yeah, if I had been diagnosed as a kid I do wonder if my life would be better or about the same. I could have gotten behavior help, which would have saved me a lot of grief and maybe bullying. I'm 44 now so the point is moot now.

As far as benefits go, I've never considered trying to apply for anything so I can't say.

Happy I could help

Formal diagnosis process gave me feedback about my best strengths, the way my own mind worked for and against me ( my neurological struggles) and helped me figure out what accommodations I could use to make every day life easier.
Make sure you get details of any evaluation in writing and ask as many questions as you can. Getting formal diagnosis is sometimes very difficult but for me the test results were great reference points for self understanding.

In Connecticut mental health services stop when you turn 18. I asked a lady about this on disability.

Yes, it can be helpful to have someone outline your issues if you can't figure them out yourself.

But, I think most managers don't want to know. If you need something special to do your work it may be best to just ask and not go into detail why. Most of us go into too many details.

Some people need a professional to validate their suspicions.

Even if you are doing ok now someday you may need benefits or accommodations that are only available with a formal diagnosis. Better to do it now then later when your are desperate and have less money.

I got the educational supports that I needed all through school. I qualify for subsidized housing. I also get a monthly disability cheque deposited into my bank account I also qualify for a $100 monthly volunteer pension and a special bus service called Handydart.

In my country?

Other than validations and explanations, an autism diagnosis is qualified for disability benefits.

Namely some discounts when buying basic necessities, medicines, in certain food or products in mall establishments, special lanes in infrastructures and offices...

A slot to get by with benefits and freebies from the government. Sometimes scholarships for vocational courses.


However, it is not largely implemented. It's either underimplented or that the local officials do not know it exists.
Information dessimination isn't good so far.

It is only available in major urbanized cities, or if the city is lucky enough to have a decent leader/politicians whose priority is aiding PWDs in local government units who actually knows what they're doing and has the means to do so...


Otherwise; most of the specific support and accommodation benefits are still focused around children.

And the 'adult' related benefits are no different than any PWD benefits, if not overall poverty aides.
There is no autism specific accomodations here. Not yet.

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Social Security Disability benefits as an adult are substantial if you have worked forty quarters (basically ten years).