My doctor ordered me a pack of forms and questionnaires to request an assessment for adult autism. In amongst the medical histories and self assessments, this question stuck out;

it is important to know that not everyone who is referred to our service will have a diagnosis of autism confirmed. In the space below, tell us how you think having an autism diagnosis confirmed, or not, might impact on you and your life

What’s going on here? Do you get asked this for other conditions? We’re a community that typically struggles to read between the lines, so I could be way off, but this feels grudging to me. It’s a question that says - what’s the point of us even offering this service, and why are you so special that we should waste our time on you?

    • @bionicjoey@lemmy.caEnglish
      9•8 months ago

      It confirmed what I had long suspected, and gave me more language to describe the challenges I face

      • @octoperson@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
        3•8 months ago

        Yeah words are tools for thinking and they’re so valuable, in a way that’s hard to quantify to other people. In my current situation of self-suspecting, it’s like I’ve been shown the tools, but I have to use them sneakily because I haven’t been given permission.

            • @bionicjoey@lemmy.caEnglish
              3•8 months ago

              True, but sometimes if your brain is gaslighting you, you need someone else to tell you you’re not crazy

    • Patapon EnjoyerEnglish
      4•8 months ago

      It got me acceptance from myself, understanding from others and a job I enjoy that pays well.

      Also now I pay half price on movie tickets.

            • Patapon EnjoyerEnglish
              4•8 months ago

              Here in Brazil autism has the same protections as disabilities, and that includes half off tickets to “cultural events”.

              It’s always worth checking your local laws, you might be exempt from some taxes or even get free public transportation