Seeking An Evaluation

At the end of my latest therapy appointment, I asked my therapist about being diagnosed as Autistic. I’ve been researching for a few years and really relate to a lot of AuDHD (Autistic ADHD) women whose content I follow. My therapist recommended I take a quiz on a site just as a baseline to see what I did and did not relate to. I did and it showed I was likely Autistic.

When I messaged her with my result, she asked what my goal with going through the diagnostic process was and told me to bring that with me to my next session.

I’ve been thinking about my goal since I read her message. My next session with her is in about a week, and I’m still thinking.

Initially, my goal was to feel validated in who I think I am. To finally be able to say without a doubt that I’m Autistic and ADHD. Which is completely valid. But as I’ve been thinking I’ve also been listening to other stories by Autistic people I follow or talk to in groups I’m in. Some are diagnosed, some are self-diagnosed, and some are still exploring and researching. The one thing I’ve found to be common in all three groups is that search for validation and for a community of like-minded individuals.

I’ve also heard/read so many ableist stories about autistic people being told they can’t be autistic because of [whatever reason the speaker chose to latch onto]. And even so many stories of children being taken from parents who are Autistic or Neurodivergent in some way because they’re seen as unfit to be parents. Those stories in particular scare me, as I am already ADHD, and struggle. I would never want my identity to effect how someone saw me. I’m still the same me whether I’m diagnosed or not.

So, the long and the short of it is I’m still wrestling with this question, and with whether or not I want an evaluation at this point in time. Do I want to have the fact that I’m Autistic to be used against me at any point? Or do I just need supports and help for my everyday life? Can I get those supports and help without a diagnosis?

Those are the questions I want to ask my therapist at my next appointment.

So, what questions would you ask? Do you have any insight for me? I’d especially like to hear, if you are Autistic and you were diagnosed as an adult, how you came to that decision? Did you need work accommodations? Did you just want it for yourself? I’d love to hear in the comments below, or if you prefer you can email me at clarissaplagmann@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!