An adult autism or ADHD assessment can provide clarity, self-understanding, and validation. For many people, it also increases self-compassion and access to support.
But the decision to pursue a formal evaluation isn’t always so straightforward. Comprehensive assessments can be expensive and often require a significant time commitment. For some, a formal diagnosis isn’t necessary. Others may have concerns about having a documented diagnosis.
This page discusses the reasons some adults choose to pursue an evaluation and formal diagnosis, why others don’t, and the support options available either way.
Reasons Adults Choose to Pursue an Evaluation
Many adults start thinking about a formal evaluation after wondering whether an ADHD or adult autism diagnosis might help explain their experiences.
You might be wondering:
Do I need an adult autism diagnosis? Should I get tested for ADHD? Would getting tested actually help? Is it worth getting evaluated for autism as an adult?
There’s no single reason people pursue a formal evaluation, but here are some of the most common ones.
Self-Discovery
Getting a diagnosis for the purpose of self-discovery is priceless.
An evaluation helps you better understand yourself and your relationship with the world. It helps you understand how your brain works and discover your differences, strengths, needs, and the unique aspects of who you are.
It can also shift how you see yourself and your experiences, especially if you’ve spent years trying to figure out why things felt harder for you than for others.
Validation and Self-Compassion
A formal diagnosis can change the way you relate to yourself.
Instead of viewing challenges as personal failings or feeling not good enough, many people begin to understand them as differences in how their brains work. That shift often leads to more patience, self-acceptance, and a more realistic understanding of what they need.
Understanding from Others
Unfortunately, many people without lived experience just don’t “get it,” requiring you to explain your needs over and over again.
That’s exhausting, and it puts neurodivergent people in the difficult position of having to be educators and advocates for themselves in everyday encounters.
Getting an evaluation can help the people in your life (partners, parents, employers) understand what you need and how to support you. It may not fix everything, but it can reduce the pressure on you and lead to more affirming experiences.
Access to Support and Legal Protections
A diagnosis can make it easier to access certain supports and benefits.
Autism and ADHD are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Fair Housing Act, and other legislation that can support access to services, accommodations, and protections in work and school settings.
Access to School and Workplace Accommodations
For many adults, this is the most practical reason to pursue an evaluation and formal diagnosis.
Schools and workplaces are required by law to make reasonable adjustments that enable individuals with disabilities to perform their duties or pursue their education. This can make a huge difference in reducing the barriers in work/school environments and creating equitable opportunities to support your success.
Correcting Misdiagnosis or Being Overlooked
Many late-identified people are coming forward and sharing their experiences of being misdiagnosed, mislabeled, or overlooked as a child.
Getting an evaluation can help correct the narratives that have been falsely created for you and reframe your experiences in a way that resonates with you.
Connection and Community
Self-diagnosis is always valid, and all neurodivergents are welcome here.
But some people find that getting an adult ADHD or autism diagnosis may help them feel more confident to engage with the neurodivergent community.
We offer an online community and ongoing support for all neurodivergents, regardless of diagnosis, available whenever you like.
Interested? Join Big Feelings, Little Executive Function on Facebook.
Reasons Some Adults Choose Not to Pursue an Evaluation (or Delay It)
It’s just as valid to decide not to pursue a formal diagnosis or to wait.
For many adults, the hesitation isn’t just about cost or time. It’s about other personal concerns like:
- Will this label change how people see me?
- Could this impact my career or future opportunities?
- Do I actually need a formal diagnosis, or do I already understand myself well enough?
- What if I go through the process and nothing really changes?
Some people feel confident in self-identification and don’t need formal confirmation. Others aren’t sure a diagnosis would actually improve their day-to-day life.
There are also real barriers. Comprehensive evaluations can be expensive, and finding the right provider and navigating the process isn’t always easy.
For some, learning more about autism or ADHD, connecting with others, and making changes on their own feels like enough, at least for now.
Not Sure What Makes Sense for You?
If you’re unsure whether a formal adult autism diagnosis would actually be helpful for you and your situation, we’re happy to meet with you to discuss.
If your main concern is work or school, we can also help you figure out what support you need, even if you’re not ready or interested in pursuing a diagnosis.
Our consultations are free, with no obligation or pressure.
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