Could Getting An Autism Diagnosis Harm Me?

Sarah, you ask what is surely one of the more difficult questions to answer honestly about Autism; can getting this diagnosis harm you? My first response may be hard to hear. In many ways, it can. Our world sees this diagnosis as indicating something is broken in the person. This is not true in my theories. In my theories, Classic Autism and AS are two of the four minority personalities. Sadly, currently, the medical model rules and difference is often seen as brokenness.

This can lead even close friends to treat you differently (as if you’re broken, fragile, or socially dumb). If this happens, then being diagnosed can seriously undermine your self-worth for a time.

Just know, in time, it will pass. For example, in my case, I am autistic (AS variation). And many years ago, when I first learned this, I felt broken inside. I also felt the need to apologize to every person I’d inadvertently snubbed or insulted. Talk about putting a hole in my self worth. Today, most of those feelings are gone. And I have no problem telling people I have AS. But I only do it if and when I think it may help the other person (like right now.)

The plus side?

Getting this diagnosis can help you get services. It can help you to know yourself better. It can also, in some cases, entitle you to considerations which might make things like school easier.

The thing is, if you then let this diagnosis define who you are as a person, then in the world’s eyes, you’re defining yourself as a broken person, rather than as a beautiful, but different, human being. Speaking of which, Sarah, I don’t know you. But from the fact that you were brave enough to ask this question, I’m sure that if I got to know you, I would find that you are a beautiful person.

Did I just make you squirm? If so, I understand. If you’re autistic, then intimacy can be terribly hard. If so, just try to allow for the possibility that what I’ve just said is true, even if my saying it does make you squirm.

As for services, if you need them, such as the help of a knowledgeable therapist or counselor, then take your time and choose this person wisely. Then please do what you need to do to get this help. Just know that like all “coming-out” experiences, coming out as autistic can be hard. And great. And exciting. And done with kind gentle support from others, in time, it can change your life in such wonderful ways, you may come to ask yourself why you waited.

Know that coming out changed my life in this way. And after many years of being “out,” I haven’t a shred of regret. And to be honest, if you see this as who you think you are, then hiding it will only undermine your self-worth even more. To be happy, you must learn to be yourself, warts and all.

Above all, whatever you decide to call yourself, do your best to see yourself as a beautiful, but different, human being.