Late diagnosis of autism and ADHD is becoming increasingly common as research and awareness grows. I was recently asked what benefits having a formal diagnosis gives me?
As someone who was diagnosed later in life, I can speak to the positive side of better understanding myself through the formal diagnosis. I also validate self-diagnosis because the formal ones can be costly and often not always accessible to everyone who needs it. I self-diagnosed before I was able to get a formal one. Below I have some official resources for self-diagnosis. I recognize I was in a privileged position to get a formal diagnosis. While everyone’s situation is different, I can only speak to my own experience. With that in mind, here’s how the formal diagnosis helped me.
Formal vs. Informal Diagnosis: What’s the Difference?
A formal diagnosis involves an evaluation by a qualified professional, often resulting in a detailed report about your unique traits, challenges, and strengths. While formal diagnosis can be costly and time-consuming, it provides certain benefits that can help specifically if you need a workplace accommodation.
Self-diagnosis through self-assessments or online tools are valid. I recommend exploring Embrace Autism, a resource that offers free self-assessment tools for autism and ADHD. These tools were pivotal in my journey toward a formal diagnosis, as I was able to bring the results into my evaluation process.
The Benefits of a Formal Diagnosis For Me
- Deeper Self-Understanding
A formal diagnosis helped me gain profound insights into how my brain works. For example, I learned not only about my autism and ADHD but also about OCD and a learning disability I hadn’t recognized before. This newfound understanding allowed me to approach challenges with tailored strategies that made a real difference in both my personal and professional life. - Access to Workplace Accommodations
If you need accommodations at work, a formal diagnosis is essential. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), autism and ADHD are recognized as disabilities, meaning you’re entitled to reasonable accommodations. For me, initiating this process at work was a game-changer for my productivity and well-being. - Improved Therapy and Support
Armed with my diagnosis, I was able to collaborate more effectively with a therapist who specializes in autism and ADHD. Having detailed documentation about my needs enabled us to focus on strategies that truly work for me, helping me navigate late-diagnosed life with more confidence and clarity. - Advocacy and Education
With a formal diagnosis, I’m better equipped to advocate for myself and educate others about my needs. Whether I’m discussing sensory challenges, executive function struggles, or the strengths my neurodivergence brings, having professional backing has been invaluable.
Is a Formal Diagnosis Right for You?
Not everyone needs or benefits from a formal diagnosis. As Dr. Devon Price explains in their book Unmasking Autism, the decision is highly personal and depends on your circumstances. Reading this book before or after a diagnosis can provide clarity on whether this step is right for you.
Embrace Autism offers the free resources for self-diagnosis and they also offer (paid) official diagnosis as well. For those in the United States please note: insurance will not cover their services as they are based in Canada.
Next Steps on Your Journey
If you’re on the fence about pursuing a diagnosis, here are a few tips:
- Start with Informal Tools: Use resources like Embrace Autism’s free assessments to gather insights about yourself.
- Reflect on Your Goals: Consider how a diagnosis could benefit your life, whether through workplace accommodations, therapy, or personal understanding.
- Explore Expert Opinions: Read books like Unmasking Autism or Laziness Does Not Exist by Dr. Devon Price for a deeper dive into the benefits and challenges of formal diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
A late diagnosis of autism or ADHD isn’t for everyone, but for those who pursue it, the benefits can be life-changing. From learning how to navigate the workplace to gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, the knowledge and validation that come with a formal diagnosis can unlock a new level of empowerment.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to explore your options. For more resources, visit Embrace Autism, and check out my video accompanying this blog post for a detailed discussion.