I haven’t been diagnosed with autism. If this question comes across as entitled or ableist, I offer my sincere apology in advance.
My wife thinks I’m autistic. Occasionally I wonder myself.
What is involved in getting a diagnosis?
If a diagnosis is acquired, what is the benefit? AFAIK there is no treatment, right? In fact, based on my reading on Lemmy, there may be downsides to being officially recognized (not due to the individual but due to the responses, especially by bureaucracy).
If I am, the only downside in my life has been being shunned and referred to as weird. Maybe being unsure of how to respond to the loss of those close to me. My career has been excellent because of things related to my apparently unusual personality.
Should I pursue this?
As someone in your shoe’s (wife also thinks I’m autistic). I have always felt like I never quite fit in anywhere and it really bothered me so today I am getting assessed by my doctor. Don’t really know what happens next but I will say I am welcoming autism with open arms because if I am – and I really think I am, it makes so many things finally fit in place and I can finally find the help I need (hopefully because Murica).
As per friends, I plan to tell everyone I am friends with and if that reduces my social circle, then so be it. Ive been on this journey by my self so long that one less friend won’t hurt.
If anything discovering that I’m autistic will hopefully help me find a new clan to be a part off.
I don’t check this account very often, so apologies for the delayed response.
Three days ago, you said you were getting assessed “today.” What did the assessment entail? If you’re comfortable sharing (and it sounds like you will be), what were the results? In the subsequent two days, have you felt liberated (regardless of diagnosis)?
Thank you very much for your answer (both the one you already posted and any follow-up).