Should I Get Diagnosed for Autism or ADHD?

Dear AuDHD Auntie,

Should I get diagnosed?

– Thinking About It

Dear Thinking About It,

This is a great question that so many of us wonder about, and like many things neurodivergent, the answer is nuanced.

Reasons You Might Want a Diagnosis

There are a number of reasons a person might seek a formal assessment and official diagnosis, including:

• Wanting to explore medication support for ADHD and needing a diagnosis to start that process.
   
• Needing a documented diagnosis to get disability benefits such as workplace or school accommodations, disability leave, or SSDI.
   
• Wanting a formal diagnosis affirming what someone was already curious or wondered about themselves after doing research and informal self-evaluation.

Reasons You Might Not Pursue Diagnosis

Similarly, there are various reasons a person may not seek formal assessment and diagnosis, including:

• Financial accessibility – the process can be financially burdensome or flat-out inaccessible to some, as it’s often not covered by insurance. 
   
• Capacity accessibility – some find the process overwhelming and taxing energy and capacity-wise and opt not to go through all the paperwork and interviewing.
   
• Affirming accessibility – finding a neurodivergent affirming provider who understands that Autism and ADHD show up differently across different genders and races can be challenging. 
   
• Lack of access – there may not be access to an assessing provider for months or even years due to waiting lists and referral processes.
   
• Valid concerns about being discriminated against for having a diagnosed neurodivergent disability on record. 
   
• Some people are satisfied with self-identification based on their own research and self-evaluations and don’t see the need to pursue formal assessment. 

So, What’s the Right Choice

The decision to pursue a formal autism or ADHD assessment and diagnosis is a completely personal one based on your needs, goals, and desires.

The coaches and clinicians at NeuroSpark Health are always happy to hold space with you as you explore your own pros and cons so you can make the most informed decision possible.

We’re here to support you.

Kindly, 
AuDHD Auntie