this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2023
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Autism

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Is there a point to seeking a formal diagnosis? Are there any major drawbacks? (Canada) (lemmy.ml)
submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by HiddenLayer5@lemmy.ml to c/autism@lemmy.world
24 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I've been wondering for quite a while if I have autism or not as I seem to hit a lot of the commonly reported symptoms and experiences. I recently tried some of the self-tests out there, including the ones on Embrace Autism, and yeah, I hit every single one I tried for mild to even moderate autism. Scored 49 on the rbq-2a for example.

Now, I know that none of those tests are conclusive and I could easily be a false positive, so I'm not directly claiming I have autism. But I'm thinking the next step is probably to talk to my primary care doctor, but to be honest I'm really hesitant to/don't completely trust the mental health system in Canada. Genuinely asking because I don't really have anyone in my personal life who has similar experiences or I think would understand: what do people here think about getting a formal diagnosis? Is it always something one should pursue if they suspect they're on the spectrum? Are there any major drawbacks? I'm especially concerned about it affecting my career prospects (which already aren't great tbh, my fault for getting a science degree in an already niche field which I deeply regret but that's a different story) or my ability to take out loans or rent an apartment by myself. I don't personally see my autism (if I have it) as a disability, but unfortunately in Canada it is still very much seen as such. Who am I required to disclose an autism diagnosis if I am diagnosed?

I'm really sorry if any of this comes off as insensitive. I have never really participated in the autism online community and I am in no way trying to put down people with autism, I'm honestly just kind of scared about what this means for me. Anyone else in a similar situation, or were in a similar situation? Care to share your experiences or have any advice?

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[–] ptrknvk@lemmy.world 12 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

I don't know anything about Canada, so can't say anything about your situation exactly.

I was in the same self-diagnosed boat as you are now and never cared to do any official steps, since it has no added value at the time.

Now I have some other mental problems and am currently at the stage of confirming my autism so I can find a therapist who'll understand me better.

[–] HiddenLayer5@lemmy.ml 6 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Yeah I also have generalized anxiety disorder. Medicated for that, and the one time I had to disclose it for something was a fucking nightmare. So honestly super hesitant to also have autism be on my searchable mental health records.

Thank you for commenting, I wish you the best in your own journey though! Hopefully you can find someone who genuinely cares!

[–] ptrknvk@lemmy.world 4 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I personally don't care about disclosure, almost everyone I know knows about it, but I'm a really open person.

[–] HiddenLayer5@lemmy.ml 6 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I'd be open about it if I wasn't worried about being discriminated. Canada really isn’t nearly as progressive as everyone outside seems to think. Or I should say, it's progressive on paper, not in the aspects that actually matter.

[–] dojan@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago

Sounds a lot like what it’s like here in Sweden.