Teenager assessed for Autism does it help?

[PeacheyPeach]

Our ds has always had his quirks and been a bit of a character but as he is growing up and is now in his mid teens we just feel that there is more to it.
Reading about characteristics associated with autism has made me realise how he displays so many of them.
Should I get him assessed? Has anyone been in this position of having a teenager told they have autism? What does it mean for them, does it make a difference knowing they have it or does it just feel like they are given a label?

I would do it (if you can , it is notoriously difficult). They may well need support later in their education and mental health, so it helps to have the assessment in place. Our team felt it explained so much about why they felt different to their peers that it was a big help

Sorry teen . not team!

@anniegun thank you x did you start the process through the GP?

No privately . The waiting times are just too long where we are. Worth talking with your GP first though. . Schools can also refer .

Is he struggling with life, school etc?
My daughter got her diagnosis at 11 and a half. She was overjoyed. She wanted a reason to explain why she was the way she was and why she struggled so much.
She wouldn't be in the excellent school she is in now (small SEN school where all the children are autistic) without the diagnosis and would still be feeling helpless and unhappy in mainstream.
However....if you son is managing in life - no major struggles or anything then having an official diagnosis might not be so important to get.
It all depends on that really.