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️(he/him) I am thinking about autism this morning. Every self-assessment I’ve taken since I was a teenager scores ‘yep, that’s you’. (I have taken a LOT of self-assessments. Every few years I’ll go through a whole bunch, just to confirm.) But I don’t have a formal diagnosis. And even though I would never require a formal diagnosis from anyone else, I have still, for decades, struggled to know whether I’m ‘allowed’ to understand myself in this way or speak about myself as #autistic.
I personally see self-DX as valid, and most of the community seems to as well. It's incredibly expensive and difficult, particularly for adults, to get a formal diagnosis.
Honestly, as far as I am concerned, if you think you are autistic, then you are autistic. It's really that simple.
i am recently self-DX. As in, last month recently. I am autistic, and I am happy to claim it. It helps me understand so much about myself.
@janetlogan Yes!! I feel that way, too. Though mostly for everyone else. I think I am afraid that secretly on some level I’m trying to trick people, or being ‘attention seeking’ as I have been accused of so many times in my life. But it does explain a lot about me, and on the inside it’s been how I understand myself for a long time. It’s just the outside/open piece that feels hard. And I wish I understood why!
Congratulations on you claiming the label that feels right. That’s wonderful.
Girl, I have spent years wondering, feeling it wasn't my right to claim that label. I only got there with the help of the #ActuallyAutistic community here.
Claiming any (invisible) disability is always hard. You're convinced you re appropriating the label. At least, I was.
It probably helped that I was finally able to acknowledge the fact of my chronic illnesses, and the disability they cause.
Edit: my apologies for the "girl" label. I should have read your profile before posting.
@janetlogan Yes, that is it exactly. That fear of appropriating.
Thank you for the encouragement and support. <3
Welcome to the community. Yes, I will speak for the community on this, and extend to you the generous welcome that I felt.