Am I autistic? Well do you have problems expressing emotion? Any problems socializing or maintaining relationships? Do you struggle with mental health problems like anxiety or depression? Maybe you had a strong GPA in school but it didn’t necessarily translate to a good job. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be on the spectrum.
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Autism Self-Diagnosis
Now by no means am I qualified to give out an autism diagnosis. If I was, I’d be making a lot more money than I do, living in a multiple story house on the California coast. What I can do is give you information on autism self-diagnosis, a topic many people are looking into these days. You can take a quick autism test here. With the increase in information on autism, a journey to self-discovery is easier than it has ever been for those with autism. My main goal is to possibly get the ball rolling for you in finding out if you have autism, or someone you know.
Understanding Autism
Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood is actually more common than people might think. In the last 30 years, there has been a lot of information and awareness brought to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you’ve been reading up on ASD, you might have noticed that a lot of the information resonates with you. It’s worth taking some time to reflect on your life and think back to your moments of confusion. By re-examining those moments with ASD in mind, you may find that it explains a lot of the confusion you experienced.
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Read more: 5 Signs of Autism
If you really identify with autism, you may feel resentful or angry. This is normal as this is a life changing event and it can feel overwhelming. Think about positive things like your strengths, and those with autism have plenty of them. An autism self diagnosis can lead to learning new skills and finding new ways to do things that makes life easier and more comfortable.
Read more: What Does on the Spectrum Mean?
Do I Need an Autism Diagnosis?
Many adults wonder if they really need an autism diagnosis. It’s understandable to question whether it’s necessary or not. But if you’re asking yourself, “am I autistic?” and you find that you identify with a lot of the characteristics of ASD, then what’s the harm in pursuing a diagnosis? Sure, life will still go on, but there are actually a lot of benefits to receiving an official diagnosis. For one, it opens up access to a variety of services that may not be available without the label. This could include an income support program that provides additional income if your mental health issues prevent you from being able to work full time. You might also have the opportunity to work with a job coach, who can provide support and check in with you every few weeks. Additionally, a diagnosis can give you access to specialized mental health services or support systems in the workplace. And let’s not forget the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are officially an individual with autism.
Autism self-diagnosis is widely welcome in the autism community. There are plenty of autism support groups out there for anyone in the community to join. Pursuing an autism diagnosis can be expensive because many health plans don’t cover it. However, if you are diagnosed with autism, it can save you a lot of money in the future.
How To Get an Autism Diagnosis
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist who conducts ASD assessments can formally diagnose autism. A good place to start is through your autism community locally. You could even ask members of your support group how they received their official diagnosis.
Read more: The Different Levels of Autism
A formal diagnosis is expensive as I mentioned before. If you find it to be too expensive, you could contact the local autism society to see if they have anyone on staff or a consulting psychologist. Some universities, hospitals, or clinical centers offer assessments by supervised grad students who need practice in diagnosing. If you already have a therapist for anything else, they may suggest the possibility of ASD and be willing to give a diagnosis.
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If you’ve been questioning, “Am I autistic?” and find yourself relating to the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it may be worth pursuing a diagnosis. While I can’t provide an official diagnosis, I can offer information on autism self-diagnosis and the journey of self-discovery. Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood is more common than you might think, and it can help explain moments of confusion in your life. Embracing an autism diagnosis opens doors to various services and support systems that can enhance your well-being and provide peace of mind. From income support programs to specialized mental health services, an official diagnosis can be beneficial in many ways. Connect with your local autism community, seek guidance from professionals, or explore affordable options to obtain a formal diagnosis. Remember, an autism diagnosis is a life-changing event that can lead to self-growth, new skills, and a supportive community.
FAQs About Am I Autistic
How do I know if I'm autistic? Some common signs of autism include difficulties with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors or interests. If you're unsure, it's always best to speak with a healthcare professional. Can autism be diagnosed in adults? Yes, autism can be diagnosed in adults. In fact, many individuals are not diagnosed until later in life. What are the benefits of an autism diagnosis? An autism diagnosis can provide access to services and support that may not be available without the label, such as specialized mental health services, income support programs, and workplace accommodations. What are some common misconceptions about autism? One common misconception is that all individuals with autism are non-verbal. In reality, many individuals with autism are highly verbal and may struggle with other aspects of communication. Another misconception is that individuals with autism lack empathy, which is not necessarily true. Can individuals with autism live independently? Yes, many individuals with autism are capable of living independently with appropriate support and accommodations.
This post was originally published on 10/06/2021. It was updated on 10/30/2023.
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