What difference does it make

[Frangipani2]

I keep seeing things about adults who have been diagnosed with autism/adhd etc.Typically people say something like .. I am so relieved to finally have a diagnosis. My query is this if you have reached adulthood what difference does have the diagnosis make? For example I am a natural worrier and struggle with anxiety but have no diagnosis of anxiety as having that label makes no difference I just have learnt how to manage my triggers.

I fully appreciate that for some children who are diagnosed it can make a difference to school life etc. But if you have reached adulthood surely you have found ways to manage.

Because my whole life I have felt like an outcast , someone different, someone desperate to be liked but never part of the crowd, the weirdo. I know it isn’t due to me being weird but my brain being wired differently. I want to put my arms around my younger self. I now know why I do the things I do and I can now ask for reasonable adjustments at work.

Diagnosis gave me a better understanding of myself and medication.

When I was diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist also diagnosed cPTSD. My previous ASD diagnosis has helped with the management of cPTSD.

Many people don't manage just because they are adults. It's also not easy to parent if you suffer from ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis etc. If you have children, they deserve parents who understand their own needs and have appropriate therapy/medication/lifestyles to be able to give the best care they can.