You’ve gone your entire life feeling like you just didn’t fit in. Small talk was hard, facial expressions and body language didn’t make sense, and you’ve always found it easier to do things on your own. You’ve always wondered if your difficulties understanding social cues was just a quirk, but what if it’s something more?
Learning about autism is a great place to start and if you feel that you are on the spectrum, getting a diagnosis as an adult is always an option. Here’s what you need to know.
An Autism Diagnosis Doesn’t Have to Disrupt Your Life
When you first start learning about autism, you might start to think that getting a diagnosis as an adult will disrupt the way you live your life. It can, but it doesn’t have to. You’ve gone through your entire life without a formal diagnosis. It’s probably made some things a bit more difficult, but you’ve still become a successful adult. The diagnosis, instead, will help you better understand your needs and can demystify parts of your life and personality that made little sense to you over the years.
Professional Diagnosis is the Best Option
There are dozens if not hundreds of quizzes online claiming to tell you if you’re on the spectrum or not. Don’t fall for them. They’re not accurate and can end up giving you a false diagnosis. Instead, meet with a professional who understands autism spectrum disorder. They’ll be able to assess your symptoms and determine if you’re on the spectrum.
After a diagnosis, they can then provide you with information to help you better manage your symptoms. Remember, just because your symptoms resemble autism doesn’t mean that you actually have it. That’s why it’s so important to work with a professional. They’ll help you find the proper diagnosis.
A Diagnosis Can Help Make You More Productive at Work
While you may not qualify for disability payments through SSI, a diagnosis can encourage or require your employer to make certain accommodations. And if you’re not comfortable telling others about your diagnosis, you’ll still have the tools you need to make changes that will help you perform at your best.
It’s Enlightening
Coping with the feeling that you’re the odd one out is never pleasant. Getting diagnosed with autism as an adult can help you better understand who you are. This can have a ripple effect throughout the rest of your life. With help from an experienced therapist, you’ll learn how to manage your symptoms and overcome the challenges you’ve struggled with for decades. You don’t have to tell anyone unless you want to, but when you know what’s going on in your mind, you’ll be better able to make beneficial changes in your life.
Ready to Get Diagnosed?
Ready to learn more about autism or want to see if your symptoms put you on the spectrum? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team. Whether you’ve received a diagnosis or simply want help to better understand a loved one on the spectrum, we’re here to help.