Is Self Diagnosis A Valid Diagnosis?

I believe wholeheartedly that a self diagnoses is completely valid. It has bought me so much peace after decades of wondering why I had so many struggles. In this video I speak about my reasons for coming to this conclusion.
#asd #autismawarness #autism #autisticlife #autistic #autisticgirl #autisticwoman #autisticwomen #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #thediaryofnow #buzzcut #girlswithshavedheads #buzzcutgirl

[@rosamariabest6069]

I self-diagnosed myself when I began working as a teacher's aide for special ed students. My oldest son was diagnosed when he was 10. I began to see similarities with the students my son and me. Then as I reviewed my childhood, teens, and adulthood, I began putting pieces together. I wasn't simply shy, I have many traits of autism, including stimming behavior. Like you, it brought me peace and it helped me find tools to help me when I have a melt down or shut down. But there are times when it sucks to be me.

[@thediaryofnow]

It’s not always easy, that’s for sure. It’s so good that you were able to identify and understand that you’re autistic, as you said, it does help knowing. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. 🥰

[@tomasvoldrich]

My quick tip whether to start researching is: when you read book like The reason I jump or another from autistic author and cry during reading ,,, then you know you should start researching. I still after my 22 months of everyday research and 35 books have teary eyes and tears sometimes when i am reading so I think it is a clue for sure

[@thediaryofnow]

Definitely!

[@CATP84]

speaking as a autist from the UK,i suport and respect all genuine self diagnosed autists! its near imposible for adult autists (especialy older and elderly) to get asesed without a huge wait and in the end are probably given a specialist that doesnt suit there age group and presentation of autism in the end,(my auntie was in her sixties and on a huge waiting list to see a autism specialist-meanwhile she died of a heart atack and lack of oxygen before my uncle got a letter about the asesment) ...ive known so many people online and offline be turned down and that itself has caused a lot of trauma for them,as sudenly theyre back in this no mans land of not knowing themslefs. self diagnosed autists will often reseach autism to the extreme to see how it aplies to them with no bias...if it was just autism id honestly trust a well researched autist over some pychiatrists i have any day. complaining about self diagnosis has always been a big thing in the autistic comunity sadly and i coud never understand if this was people jugementaly hitting out at those not yet asesed and diagnosed,or if the 'issue' coud be more with the language itself,as you cant diagnose yourself even if your a doctor. perhaps autists coud be thinking to literaly or have different issues with language. im non verbal (comunicate with an ipad pro with a complex AAC software installed,typing,makaton and PECS) and classic autistic with complex needs,chalenging behavior,and a gaggle of disabilitys,and i live in a care home with my own 24 hr staff. i was diagnosed early,im now 40,ive never had to grow up fighting to get suport but at the same time i woudnt be able to live without even basic suport to live,ive also had many a person judge my autism,mild intelectual disability etc because i can type.

[@thediaryofnow]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I’m sorry that people judge you. I find it baffling that people make such judgement when you’re the only one who knows what it’s like to be you and what goes on it your head!!! You’re so right about the research part. Of course we’ve researched it at length before coming to the autism conclusion, because we’re autistic! Lol. Anyone who thinks we come to a rash decision clearly doesn’t know anything about autism. I wish you a beautiful day and thanks again for talking the time to write such a knowledgeable comment. 🥰

[@retyroni]

It depends why you want a diagnosis. If there's medication or special programs you want to access then of course a health professional would need to be involved. You would also need a formal diagnosis to be able to claim all the warm support and understanding neurotypicals have for the neurodivergent ... oh wait, that doesn't really exist. Otherwise you are probably just looking for some self-management ideas and if the autism label fits, it fits. _You_ are the only person who can "diagnose" if an idea is helpful to _you._

[@thediaryofnow]

Totally agree. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@Undel_]

Simple aswer is NO. I was able to self-diagnose myself just now at the age of 41, but until I confirmed it with medical professional, it was only my opinion and nothing more. Not being a medical professional one can't be sure how accurate self-diagnosis is.

[@thediaryofnow]

I understand where you’re coming from. However, if it helps make someone feel better about themselves and find ways of coping then I’m all for it. As I said in the video, obtaining a formal diagnosis can be a prohibitive process for many people too.

[@Undel_]

@@thediaryofnow I'm very sorry to hear that it's a cost prohibitive process in many countries. I paid $85 in local currency for my anonymous 80-minutes assessment at private clinic with highly qualified psychiatrist.

[@thediaryofnow]

@@Undel_ That's a very good price. In the UK the average private assessment is over £2000 and the waiting list on our NHS is years and years. I was told over 10 years in our area for a kids assessment.

[@Undel_]

@@thediaryofnow I waited exactly 2 weeks for my appointment with cat. 3 psychiatrist (recommended by ASD community). There was an option to make an appointment with head of the clinic (cat. 4 psychiatrist), but the waiting list was 3 months and it was too long for me. I wanted anonymous assesment without placing my data in government registries, so I haven't even considered non-private clinics.

[@thediaryofnow]

@@Undel_ You’re lucky to have that option.

[@toffeestrange7706]

No. Self diagnosis is not valid. You need a trained professional to identify what you have.

[@thediaryofnow]

Agree to disagree for the reasons in the video.