Why a Diagnosis is Important



 Many times people tell me, "oh I don't need a diagnosis for probably having ADHD, autism, and/or both".   When people say this, it makes me wonder why they haven't gotten a proper diagnosis.  Most of the time, I hear older adults tell me that they're not diagnosed with something like ADHD, autism, or anything else.  It's common for adults to go through life without receiving a formal diagnosis of any neurodiversity when it is apparent that they have a diagnosis.

Autism and ADHD are both diagnoses that have been stigmatized for many years.  If you have ADHD, some people think that you're just really hyper and have a lot of energy.  Sometimes that isn't the case.  Did you know that ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD are the same thing?  In 1987, the revised DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) merged the two together.  In 1994, ADHD was classified into three different types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsivity, and both and is now known as "presentations" in the DSM-5 (ADHD-I, ADHD-HI, & ADHD-C).  I will say this, I didn't know that ADD is term that is no longer relevant until recently.  I feel like the three presentations are accurate.  

Any diagnosis presents itself differently.  Just because you have an anxiety disorder and I have one too, doesn't mean we experience it in the same way.  This is the same with having a neurodiversity.  Being around one person with a diagnosis doesn't mean you are an expert in it.  You've met one person with that diagnosis.  There is a reason why they refer to autism as a spectrum, because it presents itself differently amongst every person who is diagnosed. 

I can understand that being diagnosed with something like autism as an adult can be difficult.  If you are said to be diagnosed as an adult with low-support needs autism, what's the point?  ABA therapy services end at 18, there's no medication (unless you have a comorbidity), and/or you're probably used to life without supports.  (Which is fine, if you're okay with that.). I get it, it's complicated to find what fits.  Once you do, things can run smoothly.

"What if I don't want a diagnosis because I don't want anything to define me?  What if my diagnosis means I lose something?"  Guess what?! If you get diagnosed, it is NORMAL to grieve.  Sometimes you might be depressed because you discovered you have something that limits you or you might feel like you solved a Rubik's cube.  When I discovered my autism at the age of 23 and I was thinking back to how I behaved as a child, it made me feel sad.  It was like I was re-discovering myself and healing traumatic events from my past.  Sometimes, I still feel like I struggle and I grief.  I grief at the loss of what could be if I didn't have limitations with communicating my thoughts in an effective manor or if I didn't feel anxious when meeting someone that I struggle with small talk and worry that they might not like me.  However, I remind myself in these moments that I am who I am because of my disability.

Having an invisible disability or a neurodiverse condition is challenging.  Getting the diagnosis can be nerve-wracking or expensive.  I believe that if you feel like getting a diagnosis is right for you so you can get the right accommodations, services, and/or supports necessary in order to survive, you will feel empowered and like you solved a mystery.

Are you less hesitant?  If so, figure out the next step into getting your diagnosis.  Maybe you can get your diagnosis with a licensed therapist who can diagnose you on the spot or a primary care physician/doctor.  Do you think you may or may not have it? 

Check out the link Dr. Megan Anna Neff has to offer on those who are inquiring about furthering a diagnosis:

https://neurodivergentinsights.com/am-i-autistic/?srsltid=AfmBOooiNmN50RRbozFuxIjQw_Rh12oQ7BVGjqfRTuMKlt99Kr_sLdVY 

If you have a diagnosis, what are your thoughts on why we should encourage people who could have like symptoms to us to get diagnosed?  Comment below.

 If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below on what your favorite part was, and feel free to share it with your friends and family, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc. about what you were reading? Reach out to me by messaging me on Instagram or TikTok @neurospicyblondie or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com. 



Comments

  1. SOS129August 20, 2025 at 12:55 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m going to see if I can get diagnosed with AHDH soon, so this was a very encouraging read.

    ReplyDelete

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