Can you identify as neurodivergent?

[Thisisunreasonable]

Name changed in case outing. Just curious as to what people think. As far as I know I am NT but DD is diagnosed autistic so I am interested in learning all I can about it. Just had an email from work inviting people who identify as neurodivergent to an informal chat session. Great, I am all for supporting everyone within a work space but I am not sure about the word choice. Surely you don't identify as having a diagnosis whether it is cancer or depression or ADHD. You either have a diagnosis set by medical professionals or not.

I do appreciate that it can be a long wait for some to get a diagnosis but even then would the language not be more like "if you are neurodivergent or believe you may be neurodivergent then feel free to attend". Maybe I am sensitive because I am GC and just hate the word identify in general. I am curious to see what others think, especially adults who are ND who this sort of invite might apply to. Can you identify as ADHD, autistic, dyspraxic etc etc?

Isn’t being very literal with language fairly common in people who are autistic? I know it’s not universal, but I can certainly imagine a colleague of mine thinking that he isn’t part of the target audience if he got that. “That’s for people who identify as neurodivergent, and not for people like me who are neurodivergent” kind of thing. I don’t know how common that would be, I only know a handful of people with autism.

People have said to me I should investigate my traits but I don't think I'm ND. I'm just reserved & socially awkward. I think too many people want a label these days to mark them out. Not saying OPs daughter is like that, but self-diagnosis can lead you down the wrong path. Besides, if I convince a GP to get me tested it wouldn't change anything. I'm still me.

It gives scope for those awaiting a diagnosis or unable to access a diagnosis to attend and gives 'permission' for those who have a diagnosis but dont identify in that way to not go.

I have to admit i struggle with it a bit as its a bit vague and runs the risk of ocd being represebted by someone who likes things a bit clean for instance