Hi all! 

Today I want to discuss the validity of a neurodivergent self-diagnosis. As a diagnosed individual myself (with diagnosed family members), I feel I have a lot to offer on this particular subject. Please note: self-diagnosis serves more as a starting point for internal understanding, rather than a replacement for professional assessment. I am not discouraging others from being properly assessed, I am merely stating why these measures are not always accessible, afforable or equitable. In this day and age, getting an assessment is a privilege. For those less fortunate, simply identifying as neurodivergent can bring much comfort. Before I begin, I need to state that I can only speak about the Australian healthcare system. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

1.) The Cost Of Getting Assessed 

My daughter was diagnosed with autism (lvl 2) last year. If you thought the process was straightforward, think again. Firstly, we had to visit a paediatrician for a referral (which took close to a year – see below). She then had to undergo a thorough assessment at a psychology clinic. Finally, we had to return to the paediatrician (waiting close to a year again) to receive a formal letter acknowledging her diagnosis. All up, it cost us around $2,000. Her NDIS funding was not accepted to support said costs. She was lucky to have two working parents that could afford to take those measures but what about the individuals/families that don’t have those same luxuries? Are their conditions/disabilities invalid due to their socioeconomic status? They might not receive legitimate support without a piece of paper but that doesn’t erase their support needs. 

2.) Long Waiting Lists 

As mentioned above, we were on a waitlist for nearly a year just to see Abigail’s paediatrician for a referral. Some individuals/families cannot wait that long. Some (understandably so) are put off by starting the process, simply knowing that information. Again, without that piece of paper, they cannot receive the necessary supports required. However, 365 days is not going to change what they already know in their heart of hearts. If you’ve been there for every single meltdown and sensory aversion, it doesn’t invalidate your experience as a parent. It doesn’t negate how your child was born. Stating out loud what you know to be true (formal diagnosis or not) can help you connect with supportive communities, reduce self-blame and understand past struggles. It certainly helped my self-esteem as a mother, long before a doctor confirmed what I had suspected since infancy. 

3.) Geographic Isolation/Limited Access 

Not every individual/family resides in a bustling city with endless specialists to choose from. Some of us live more remotely, limiting our access to professionals in the field. If the closest clinic is hours away and you don’t/cannot drive, are you any less neurodivergent? No. We know our own life history, struggles and sensory challenges far more than a clinician observing us under a specific model for an hour. Once again, that’s not to say you should be anti-assessment. It just means that if you are geographically restricted, you should trust your intuition. Nobody knows better than you, who you really are. 

4.) Diagnostic Biases  

Throughout the years, autism research has traditionally focused on young boys. Autism in girls typically goes under the radar. For one, females are better at masking. Furthermore, autistic traits present differently depending on gender. A girl on the spectrum might be declared as ‘shy’ or ‘sensitive’, thus erasing the need for an assessment. As that child becomes a woman, she realises she was neurodivergent all along. By that point, she may no longer feel the need to go down that path. As long as she knows the truth, that’s all that matters. I definitely relate to this. Up to 80% of people diagnosed with dyspraxia are also autistic. I have a formal diganosis for the former, not the latter. However, I don’t need one. I know I’m autistic. It’s very clear and I have countless examples from childhood to adulthood to back it up. Nobody can take that away from me. 

5.) Why Self-Diagnosis Is Valid  

Are there cases where a person can be wrong? Absolutely. However, I can gurantee that 9 times out of 10, self-diagnosis is not made on a whim. It is often involves extensive reading of the diagnostic criteria, reflecting on examples across different life stages, taking relevant screening questionnaires and comparing experiences with those formally diagnosed. If you are seeking access to support options, please undertake a professional assessment. If you aren’t pursuing clinical certainty, there is nothing wrong with stating what you already know to be true. Giving a name to an identity can help work through complex feelings, validate your experiences and assist with coping strategies. We all deserve to live authentically, regardless of our gender, socioeconomic status and where we call home. A piece of paper does not define your neurodivergence. 

Thank you so much for reading. Feel free to share your opinion in the comments. 

Peace & Love xoxo