Do i need an official diagnosis to be identified as autistic?
Hi! I am 25 years old and only a few years back i have started realising i might be autistic. But this is purely based on online research and talking to other people who think they are autistic. I really dont know if i have misunderstood something or if my feelings are valid. I have always felt different and i have always found it hard to fit in. I need help.
@Haesude
Hi! I'm autistic and undiagnosed. <3 It's frustrating because I sought a diagnosis, and they said I had ADD instead (which I also have).
Go with your gut. Do the research. Talk to people with autism. Seek answers.
A diagnosis, or non-diagnosis, doesn't negate what you know within yourself. Only you, know you. And that's ok. <3
@Haesude Hey! I also suspect I am autistic, though I've never been formally diagnosed. (Can definitely relate to feeling different and finding it hard to fit in.) As far as I know, self-diagnosis is supported in the autistic community, as many undiagnosed autistic people are unable to get professionally diagnosed (whether due to not being able to afford it or not being able to find a provider who is adequately informed about autism, or some other reason). Autistic people who have self-diagnosed also tend to do Tons of research before using the label, so it's likely that they are actually autistic, or at the very least relate strongly to the autistic experience. I would definitely encourage you to do more research and connect with autistic people (and/or neurodivergent people in general) and see if things resonate with you. I'd be happy to chat with you also if you'd like! Anyway, this is a long way of saying, I don't think you need an official diagnosis to identify as autistic, particularly if you've done the research and put the time and energy into mulling it over.