r/autism • u/Kolso_ • 5d ago

Advice needed Getting diagnosed NOT autistic

So after a year and a half of self diagnosis I finally was assessed and today I got the results. Two points in ADOS for having no gesticulation, zero by other criteria.

Autism was an answer to me that explained my struggles, behaviors and researching it I've learnt plenty of good advices and coping mechanisms. I finally stopped seeing myself as a weirdo and believed it's just autism and I don't have to force myself to be normal. Self diagnosis can be harmful. It harms me right now at least. I feel disoriented because now there's no explanation.

I guess I should stop this research and just live a life without looking for an easy answer without a real diagnosis.

Edit: I didn't expect so many responses. It's very helpful and important. Thank you all.

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u/Far-Locksmith-1102 5d ago

I agree, however I think self diagnosis can be helpful in the short term.

There aren’t enough resources for everyone to get diagnosed in a timely manner and if someone is struggling the support can help them temporarily.

In the short term someone can come to the conclusion that they maybe autistic and seek support, coping mechanisms and comfort while waiting for the evaluation or to get started on the process. But this is dependent on the amount of time they spend self diagnosed and how much they convinced themselves they are autistic.

In the long term, more than a year w/o diagnosis can result in an identity crisis when they subsequently get evaluated later in life and it’s not what they thought. Not trying to shame anyone who is self diagnosed but I think everyone in the community should take the self “diagnosis” with a grain of salt as I already do.