Do I Need a Professional Diagnosis to Be Autistic?
As we explained in a previous post, with sufficient information, you can self-identify as Autistic; a lot of people do this, and the autistic community generally regards self-diagnosis as valid. Diagnosis by a professional is not mandatory. The process can be inaccessible for a variety of reasons.
Can I Try Living as an Autistic Person Before Getting Assessed?
You can also make changes without getting a diagnosis and see if it causes improvements in your life. You could give yourself permission to try living as though you’re autistic for a few weeks to see if it gives you more energy or an improved outlook. Whatever you think you might allow yourself to do differently, or not do at all, if you had a diagnosis, these modifications could be instructive to experiment with for a while.
What Do I Risk by Trying On an Autistic Identity?
You get to try this identity on for size to see if it fits. You can always go back to the way you were living before. It doesn’t cost anything and there are no penalties, as long as you continue meeting your minimal adult obligations to others. You’re not taking anything away from anyone else by claiming an Autistic identity. One concept the members of the disability community talk about is that accommodations help everyone.
Do I Have to Justify My New Habits to Other People?
You don’t need to justify your personal habits to other people, although out of courtesy you will probably benefit from giving advance notice to housemates or family about any changes you are considering. Taking care of yourself in this way could reinforce your skills at self-advocacy and allow you to build confidence. The foundation of self-knowledge is reckoning with your own limitations and figuring out how to handle them, rather than trying to act like everything is fine when it’s not.
What Changes in My Relationships After an Autism Diagnosis?
You’re allowed to insist on your own dignity. It’s OK to stop trying to be someone you’re not. You’re likely to conclude you need a bit more alone time than you had prior to your diagnosis. Some people gain a new appreciation for the close relationships they already have. You might realize you enjoy an atypical intimacy and that a few friendships fulfill you, without the need for larger groups or gatherings.
Why Do I Suddenly Notice Neurodivergence in My Family and Friends?
Once they are diagnosed people often begin to realize how many of their friends and family members were somehow neurodivergent anyway. This is not the every-problem-looks-like-a-nail phenomenon; as far as we know Autism is largely genetic, so naturally you have autistic or ADHD relatives. And your autism probably caused you to attract and seek out friends who are like you.
How Might I Reconfigure Sleep, Quiet Time and Deep Interests?
Some habits you might reconfigure with a new Autism diagnosis could include managing sleep more deliberately; sleep is a struggle for many autistics. You could decide you operate on an atypical schedule for calm time, waking up extra early or staying up later than your household to experience quiet and solitude. Flow state time and immersive hobbies are necessary for the autistic nervous system. You need time for deep engagement in topics or activities that you find of compelling interest. Find others with niche passions who love to enthuse about their obscure knowledge. Even if you’re not fascinated in the same way the other person is, there’s a fun contagion in being around somebody else who is holding forth and excited about something that matters to them. These deep interests are common among autistics.
Can I Dress for Sensory Comfort Instead of Convention?
You can be selective about your clothing and dress only in soft, non scratchy fabrics and styles for comfort. Some autistic people wear all black, all year. Others crave bright and vivid clothing, elaborate nail polish or rings that serve as fidget objects.
Why Do Safe Foods Matter for Autistic Adults?
You might find it’s important to have safe foods on hand, meals and snacks you know you like and can count on without much fuss. The lengthy periods of deep concentration of absorption in subjects you enjoy can leave you unexpectedly hungry.
Is It OK to Stim More Once I Know I’m Autistic?
You could benefit from increased stimming or movement. Chances are you will recognize idiosyncratic patterns that feel satisfying. It’s fine to start by doing this in private so you can be uninhibited and undistracted. Celebrating body sensations by swimming, lifting weights, running or roller-skating can all fulfill that same need for immersive activity.
How Can I Make Going Out in Public Less Draining?
When you run errands or just go out into the world, you may enjoy cocooning in public. Reducing noise and other stimulation can allow you more stamina when you are out and about. Protective sensory equipment could be a hooded sweatshirt, headphones, a face mask or sunglasses. Maybe you want to wear a pin that says I don’t speak. You can avoid stores as much as possible or only go to stores early or late during quieter hours.
How Do I Get Better at Asking for Help?
You can normalize self- advocacy. It may take practice but it’s worth learning to ask for help. Our culture emphasizes independence to an extreme extent. Be upfront and let someone know if you could use another day to finish that project, or if you would appreciate some feedback on how to address an issue: I’ve got something going on and I could use help with planning the birthday party, or figuring out how to talk to the landlord. Do you have a few minutes to talk?
Who Can I Talk To About Getting Assessed for Autism or ADHD?
What if we could all stop trying so darn hard? Please reach out if any of our therapists can help you reflect on changes you want to try making. We are delighted to have conversations about whether you or your loved ones could be neurodivergent in some way.
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