What are the benefits of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult? 

I’m Nicole... autistic with a level 1 diagnosis. I’m 41 now but was diagnosed a few years ago. Here are the main reasons I chose to pursue an evaluation and why I don’t regret it for a second.

1. Validation – There’s nothing more validating than learning that the reasons you’ve been picked on, targeted, mistreated, excluded, & considered less than all your life were not because there’s anything “wrong” with you... and that you are, in fact worthy of kindness & respect.

2. Confidence – Confidence that I’m finding the right strategies to improve my challenges... and confidence that what I’ve suspected were the underlying reasons for my challenges are *actually* the reasons for my challenges. Also, I want to KNOW... not just be mostly sure.

3. Proof – There’s nothing more empowering than being able to immediately shut people down who accuse me of lying about being autistic. The second I say I’m diagnosed, the “conversation” is over. 

4. Documentation – Just in case I ever need actual documentation of my diagnosis. I’ve not needed it yet, but if I ever do, I have it.

5. Peace of mind – Being that I’m autistic, I have an intense need to be precise, correct, and truthful... and without a formal diagnosis, a part of me would always feel uncomfortable saying with certainty that I’m autistic (even though I fully support self-diagnosis).

I know we’re entering a scary time in the US right now, and even in general, a diagnosis isn’t going to be best for everyone. But these are the reasons I pursued my evaluation... and I’m extremely glad that I did. 

If you pursued an evaluation as an adult, what your reasons were... and if you’re glad you did, or if you regret it for any reason.

And as always, if you like this type of content, follow for more. 

Happy autism awareness month!

NOTE (not in video): I should have said, these are the main reasons I chose to pursue an evaluation *as a level 1 autistic person*... There will likely be different answers if you ask someone who’s level 2 or 3 (or their caregivers if the decision was made on their behalf)...

As there are tangible supports higher needs autistic people are often able to access that would likely be a part of their decision making process.