Autism self diagnosis has become a huge topic in recent years. Many people begin researching autism online and eventually recognize traits that match their own experiences. But the question remains, is self diagnosis valid?
For some people, professional diagnosis is expensive, inaccessible, or unavailable. This leads many adults to study autism deeply and come to their own conclusions. Others argue that only a clinical evaluation should be considered a true diagnosis.
In this episode we explore both sides of this debate. We discuss the benefits, the risks, and the real reasons why so many people are turning to self identification.
In this episode you will learn:
• Why autism self diagnosis has become so common
• The barriers many adults face when seeking a formal diagnosis
• The difference between self identification and clinical diagnosis
• The strengths and limitations of researching autism on your own
• When seeking a professional assessment may still be important
This episode shares everything I know about the topic so you can understand the conversation around autism self diagnosis and decide what approach makes sense for your situation.