Adult diagnosis of autism please tell me if it has benefitted you

[Beebopalooola]

Hi all,

Those of you who have had a diagnosis of autism in adulthood how gas it been of benefit to you.

My daughter is diagnosed and is 8.

I started reading and researching and getting support for my daughter and a few days ago had a bit if a light bulb moment. I was reading a book written by an autistic person and thought 'ah his normal is my normal'. What I thought everyone (nerotypical folk) felt and thought is perhaps different to me and what I think but obviously I didn't know any different.

Thinking back to my childhood and the internal struggles I had. The way I view the world. The way I understand emotions and lots of other things it seems that I am autistic too. I have suffered low confidence and mental health issues, meltdowns in the form of crying and burnouts all my life but always put it down to outside influences.

I sat down and told my husband and we actually had a bit of a laugh as I'd considered everyone else strange and he pointed this out and how what I considered 'normal' is actually different to him and most people and I'm the neurodiverse one. He did say its something he'd always known but I am who I am so he's never felt the need to bring it up. He spoke of my obsessions and black and white thinking etc which is true.

The thing is I'm trying to support my daughter right now so won't pursue this for a while if at all. I'm 32 now, I have managed through life this far, I can control my Meltdowns when appropriate. I work in a good professional career, I have some friends, I have a nice husband and lovley children and I have a nice relationship with my family. So really is there any need or point in me getting an official diagnosis? How has it helped you?

Thanks

Making it official can be useful if you need workplace adaptations, OP. My adult DD was offered a quiet working environment, and access to a private room to withdraw to if she was stressed or having a meltdown, for example. With her consent, her colleagues were given a presentation on how to work with autistics. She now helps to run an autism network within the company.
Otherwise, I don’t think it makes much difference. You are already aware of how it affects you, and have learned to cope with it.

Thank you. I'm going to be having a think about it over the next few days.

It has transformed my life but mostly because it has transformed how i see myself. I still mostly hate me, but sometimes I think I’m OK.

Just because you have “managed through”
Doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Getting diagnosed (mid forties) was HUGE for me.

And fuck anyone who says “why do you want a label?” which is one of the most ignorant yet common crappy comments that people come out with. Just remember that most of the word does not understand autism (but thinks it does)