Any suggestions on whether I should seek a formal diagnosis?

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I have suspected that I might have ASD for over a year now, as I meet pretty much all of the criteria in the DSM-V. As an adult I was hesitant to meet with somebody because I really didn't think anybody would take me seriously (my primary care doctor didn't, the nurse laughed at me about it etc.)

I scheduled an appointment with a neuropsychologist and nervously arrived in their office expecting to be told that I was reading too much into things. After about three minutes of conversation I told him that I was there because I suspected I might be autistic, and he immediately told me that he agreed. I was sort of dumbfounded, apparently just 3 minutes of conversation with me was enough for him to suggest that there might be some validity to what I was saying.

After about an hour long interview it was time to schedule a testing session that could take several hours. He explained that I seem to have found ways to cope with some of the challenges, and being formally diagnosed wouldn't really effect my treatment in therapy (exposure therapy to my many fears etc.)

So I just wanted to ask the possible pros and cons of being formally diagnosed. If any of you could take back the diagnosis, would you? Has the diagnosis helped you at all in explaining your behavior to others who might not understand? Is there any information that any of you think might help me in making this decision?

Basically, I feel that if you could afford it, and you think you might be on the Spectrum, that you should get formally assessed.

The major drawback to getting formally diagnosed as adults is usually the cost.

The diagnosis (at least in the US) doesn't go on any "permanent record" that's accessible, like a criminal record is accessible, so you don't have to inform anybody (e.g., bosses) you don't want to inform that you're diagnosed with autism

Got my formal diagnosis nearly two years ago.

I am 40 now and my diagnosis has helped me put things into perspective.

I am still the same person I always was and the novelty of my diagnosis has faded.

My diagnosis has really helped me make sense of my life and I would not wish to go back to not knowing for one minute.

I try my hardest to improve my communication with others all the time and it has improved to some degree but it will never be perfect and having a diagnosis means I don worry so much about it or feel guilty anymore.

My advice and I really mean it get the diagnosis because you will never stop thinking about it otherwise.

My Aspergers Autism ASD whatever you want to call it is not the most important thing on my mind anymore by a long shot.

I think you should seek a formal diagnosis if possible. I personally think that's the right thing to do.

Getting diagnosed has pretty much only helped me so far. I can get better support at university now but most of all, getting diagnosed has taken a way most (not all) of the severe anxiety I had about not knowing what was "wrong" with me and whether or not I really have AS. I suspected I had AS for a long time but I was never sure of it and having someone else (the specialist) look at my life, do some tests, speak to my parents etc. and then tell me I do have AS has really helped with the doubt.

My life makes more sense to me now than it did before. I understand myself better (and that's really something I learned during the assessment process).

That is up to you, if you want it.

Though I will say it will give you legal protection in the work place and make it easier to get on a government program (if you need it).

ASD in many cases have other things that come with it, which will make it easier to for your doctors to treat your.

If you have a minor ASD and it doesn't really cause any issues in your life, then think carefully if it is worth rocking the boat over.

I would personally recommend getting the diagnosis, if it's within your budget to do so. My diagnosis has had nothing but positive effects for me thus far. It's helped me put my life into perspective, and enabled me to understand why I kept getting the social thing wrong, and what to do about it (I've since joined a social skills group and met some great people, my present, and thus far, first, boyfriend included). It's also helped me reshape my lifestyle to be more "aspie friendly". I understand the things I need -- and need not -- to have to keep myself calm and comfortable in the world, and let myself have those things, knowing that they'll come across as strange or awkward or childish to some people. If something's freaked me out and I have to rock and flap and hum, that's okay.

From an environmental standpoint, my diagnosis has also been extremely useful. With it, I was able to get accommodations for my school exams, without which I wouldn't have passed one of my classes. I was also able to avoid a transfer at work to a position that would have been highly unsuited to me as a result of my autism; all I had to do was explain my diagnosis, and I got to stay where I was. I have no regrets about getting my diagnosis; it was one of the best things I've ever done for myself.

As people have said the drawbacks are cost and time, specifically if there are no benefits .

It is the only way you can get benefits like disability and vocational rehab.

Even if you don't need benefits now in the future this may change. As getting a diagnosis is costly and time consuming it is best to get it now then during a crises.

Some people need confirmation by a professional to remove doubts.