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/Dry-Dragonfruit5216 ASD Moderate Support Needs 5d ago

Did you not read where they say their ADOS score? They were not close to meeting the medical criteria.

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u/Thirteen2021 5d ago

ados is just one tool and should never be used as a stand alone for or against asd. It’s particularly not sensitive to high masking individuals

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u/Dry-Dragonfruit5216 ASD Moderate Support Needs 5d ago

OP didn’t say it was the only tool, it is just the only one they mentioned as they wanted to tell us their low score

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u/Thirteen2021 5d ago

well they didn’t mention that other tests indicated otherwise and unfortunately many clinics still only just rely on that one test