[mont]

Is there any reason other than personal knowledge to get diagnosed on the spectrum? I woulnd't at all the surprised if if I landed somewhere on it, but even if there was a (drug) treatment I don't think I would want to take it, I more or less like the way I am.

[camochameleon]

As mentioned in the article, many autistic people find it difficult to become or stay employed, and a formal diagnosis can help in terms of accommodation or working at a company like Auticon. However, if you find yourself coping fine with life, work, and relationships, pursuing a diagnosis is totally optional.

[mont]

I'm doing well enough in those regards, but even if I wasn't what would a diagnosis do wrt life and relationships?

[ficklepickle]

Self acceptance. I developed quite the case of self loathing from a life on the spectrum without knowing it. I had a deep unconscious belief that I was bad, lazy, dumb or just broken.

It's helped me to treat myself and others with a lot more compassion. My mental health and productivity have both improved dramatically. It has been truly life changing.

[jvagner]

i think a possible reason would be if you're looking for an awareness of something in your life. naming something, and recognizing it, can be helpful to adjusting to it.

it might be an answer to a small question that works as a keystone to greater peace.

[munificent]

Two things:

* It can give you an understanding of how your own brain works, so you can better tailor your life to your strengths and weaknesses. Obviously, any amount of self-reflection will help with this, but an actual autism spectrum diagnosis will give you some insight into which aspects are actually biological and very hard to change versus potentially more mutable.

* It will help the people around you better understand you and which parts of your behavior are your "fault" and which are because of your brain. Many of the classic ways that autism presents itself would be hurtful to other people if done by a neuro-typical person: talking over someone, shutting down when stressed, avoiding social interaction, not picking up on signal, etc. All of these come across as selfish or uncaring if you don't know that that's how the person's brain works.

In practice, I think the latter is more useful than the former.

[dsr_]

It might help you figure out better ways to cope with the world. On the other hand, you don't need a formal diagnosis for that.

[titanix2]

Some companies like Microsoft have affirmative action for autists.

[strictnein]

As an adult? Not sure.

As a kid? It opens a lot of doors for additional help and accommodations in schools. This will of course vary by state and district, but it was a game changer for our son.