this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2026
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Autism

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Should I seek formal diagnosis? (aussie.zone)
submitted 3 days ago by minty@aussie.zone to c/autism@lemmy.world
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Hiya!

So a little while ago I realised just how dysfunctional I am, in terms of executive functioning. This lead me to consider to get an ADHD diagnosis, which I am going to go through with (to hopefully see if medication helps). The reason why I believe I have ADHD is because my dad has been diagnosed and in terms of our ability to function day to day, we're quite similar.

I have, informally, known I was autistic since I was 17 I think. My mum, some years prior, had asked a family friend who has experience diagnosing autism if I had it. She asked after my dad was formally diagnosed. Not sure why she didn't proceed to ask for a formal diagnosis at a specialised clinic? Presumably because of the cost I would imagine.

For context, I am in Australia. I was going to seek diagnosis for autism a couple years back, but it was going to cost 3 grand. I did find some lower price clinics that cost half that, but still. That pushed me away, especially considering I already know.

My thinking now, or at least before a couple days ago, obtaining an autism diagnosis so I could get some support... but of course, what support lmao?? I am working with a psych right now, and she just accepts I know I am autistic so in that sense there's no need.

I am wondering if there is any material benefit to getting a formal diagnosis when I already KNOW I am autistic??

-Minty

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[โ€“] Gust@piefed.social 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I never did. I sometimes wish my parents had gotten me diagnosed when I was a kid so that I could have known where to look for support and talk to people who experience the world similarly to how I do. I didnt realize I was autistic until my mid 20s though, and given that I was already independent and functional there really wasnt anything anybody would do to help me. As far as I'm concerned, I can find the support I need without a medical professional, and honestly at this point I'm more worried about "health" secretary Fuckwit McBrainworm being able to being able to dragnet search medical records for autism, find out that I'm autistic, and subject me to whatever sick shit the fascists want for "the disabled"

[โ€“] minty@aussie.zone 2 points 3 days ago

That is a good point. If I have no practical need (i.e getting a dsp), then Im just opening myself up to state discrimination without any reason.