this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2023
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Autism

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Is there a point to seeking a formal diagnosis? Are there any major drawbacks? (Canada) (lemmy.ml)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by HiddenLayer5@lemmy.ml to c/autism@lemmy.world
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I've been wondering for quite a while if I have autism or not as I seem to hit a lot of the commonly reported symptoms and experiences. I recently tried some of the self-tests out there, including the ones on Embrace Autism, and yeah, I hit every single one I tried for mild to even moderate autism. Scored 49 on the rbq-2a for example.

Now, I know that none of those tests are conclusive and I could easily be a false positive, so I'm not directly claiming I have autism. But I'm thinking the next step is probably to talk to my primary care doctor, but to be honest I'm really hesitant to/don't completely trust the mental health system in Canada. Genuinely asking because I don't really have anyone in my personal life who has similar experiences or I think would understand: what do people here think about getting a formal diagnosis? Is it always something one should pursue if they suspect they're on the spectrum? Are there any major drawbacks? I'm especially concerned about it affecting my career prospects (which already aren't great tbh, my fault for getting a science degree in an already niche field which I deeply regret but that's a different story) or my ability to take out loans or rent an apartment by myself. I don't personally see my autism (if I have it) as a disability, but unfortunately in Canada it is still very much seen as such. Who am I required to disclose an autism diagnosis if I am diagnosed?

I'm really sorry if any of this comes off as insensitive. I have never really participated in the autism online community and I am in no way trying to put down people with autism, I'm honestly just kind of scared about what this means for me. Anyone else in a similar situation, or were in a similar situation? Care to share your experiences or have any advice?

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[–] ConfuzedAZ@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

So when you ask if there is a point, I think it's probably with reaching out to a local autism support group to explain your situation. I am in Canada and I have a son diagnosed with ASD. Currently we get a disability tax credit that provides tax relief that we can use to buy private services. As an adult you may qualify for a disability pension fun the government, all though i am not sure of that specifically. You didn't mention how old you are, but I would guess you are an adult. Employers are required to protect your medical disclosures, if your condition may present difficulties working in social settings, the company would be obligated to provide accommodation, which could look like work from home or a more quiet work space. I have read quite a few posts on Reddit where adults feel relief from anxiety by allowing them to put a name to the issue they face. Schools deal with ASD all the time, and provide a number of accommodations for writing exams. So to answer your question, yes there are definitely reasons to get diagnosed, only you can really decide if you want to. I wish you all the best whatever you decide.