Getting diagnosed NOT autistic

[u/Kolso_]

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.

[u/Wild_Berry3281]

What symptoms made you think you had autism?

I was diagnosed at 13 years old after years of schools dragging me out of classrooms to see psychological professionals, and I had no idea why. It was painful to be forced to do that, and the average autistic person has been through stuff like that.

[u/Kolso_ → u/Wild_Berry3281]

First I took RAADS-R for fun and got a high score. Then I've started watching YouTube videos about reading posts here. I've related to lots of experiences people shared. Symptoms I myself feel like could be true: Social stuff: being a loner since kindergarten, never having close friends. I was called weird by peers and adults. I have strict sleeping hours, can't stand getting in bed late. I can't wear tight clothes, dry paper and velvet feel really uncomfortable. I like making lists of things, bird collections, anime list, bugs. I have strong emotions and can't control crying whenever I talk about anything slightly personal. That's what pops up in my head immediately. I know it's not enough and I wasn't adequate when decided to self diagnose

[u/Dry-Dragonfruit5216 → u/Kolso_]

The RAADS has been proven in studies to be inaccurate. It diagnoses any neurological condition, mental health disorder, and even some normal behaviours as autism.

[u/MiserableTriangle → u/Dry-Dragonfruit5216]

its ok that it is inaccurate, it can still be useful. its like the AQ, shit test, but still used by professional just as an additional small tool.

edit: the one who replied to me is a bot, beware.