Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Maybe an Autism assessment is not the right path?

32 replies

Maybeasd · 01/02/2026 17:07

I’ve been waiting to be assessed for almost two years.

Initially because I read about the diagnostic criteria and it all made sense to me. But now, the more I think about the less clear it becomes that it’s the right thing to do.

Especially when I just came across the “impairments” criteria. I don’t suffer on a daily basis, and I fully understand social norms, I just don’t agree with them.

I’m also gifted, and I came across a few sources that cite the overlap and how it’s of entry misdiagnosed.

Im also aware a diagnosis won’t change a thing, so I’m probably taking the spot of someone who actually needs help and would benefit from getting help sooner rather than later.

OP posts:
hellotomrw · 01/02/2026 21:05

How old are you? I wouldn’t have considered myself
impaired by it in my 20s but in my 30s after havung kids being autistic has debilitated me. I wished Id had a diagnosis earlier. So it might still be worth pursuing? Just because you are managing bow it doesn’t mean your symptoms/difficulties wont get harder to manage. People can move from low support needs to medium just by a change in circumstances or something emotional

Original poster
Maybeasd · 01/02/2026 21:00

JumpLeadsForTwo · 01/02/2026 20:50

Well a decent assessment would take into account that you can’t demonstrate significant impairment therefore a diagnosis would not be appropriate. As a pp has said, a waste of resources and time when there are such long waiting lists of people who are really struggling.

How is the impairment assessed? I’ve heard two very different versions one more rigid and one that took into account the “perception” of it.

OP posts:
JumpLeadsForTwo · 01/02/2026 20:50

Well a decent assessment would take into account that you can’t demonstrate significant impairment therefore a diagnosis would not be appropriate. As a pp has said, a waste of resources and time when there are such long waiting lists of people who are really struggling.

Original poster
Maybeasd · 01/02/2026 18:59

I see, this has now become an ethical question.

OP posts:
JLou08 · 01/02/2026 18:47

Maybeasd · 01/02/2026 18:07

Not really. I just have some overlapping traits but they could be understood by the “gifted “ side of things.

I never looked for a diagnosis because I thought I needed help or adjustments I just wanted to understand my brain from a curiosity POV rather than anything else.

but to clarify, the way my brain works doesn’t bring me anxiety or trouble. Quite the opposite I enjoy it and see it as a gift.

Show quote history

That seems like a huge waste of a stretched public service when you are not in need.

Original poster
Maybeasd · 01/02/2026 18:07

JLou08 · 01/02/2026 17:53

If you don't feel a diagnosis would make any difference to you I think coming off the waiting list is the right thing. Some people waiting are really struggling with their mental health and understanding themselves so would benefit from it.
Why did you ask for an assessment? Do you have struggles with day to day life?

Not really. I just have some overlapping traits but they could be understood by the “gifted “ side of things.

I never looked for a diagnosis because I thought I needed help or adjustments I just wanted to understand my brain from a curiosity POV rather than anything else.

but to clarify, the way my brain works doesn’t bring me anxiety or trouble. Quite the opposite I enjoy it and see it as a gift.

OP posts:
JLou08 · 01/02/2026 17:53

If you don't feel a diagnosis would make any difference to you I think coming off the waiting list is the right thing. Some people waiting are really struggling with their mental health and understanding themselves so would benefit from it.
Why did you ask for an assessment? Do you have struggles with day to day life?