Self-diagnosis
Self-diagnosis (or self-dx) is not generally accepted in the Autistic community. Although it is often both hard and expensive to get a formal diagnosis, only in a clinical setting an objective diagnosis can be made. Laypeople can’t objectively assess their own traits, struggles, needs and strengths; broad or inaccurately applied symptoms as well as confirmation bias potentially occur.
Barriers to receiving a formal diagnosis include: sexism against women who are recognised as Autistic, racism, poverty, lack of access to healthcare, lack of access to queer-accepting healthcare, and the fact that many doctors refuse to diagnose adults who were not diagnosed in childhood.
Some people may also avoid seeking a formal diagnosis due to the stigma of having an autism diagnosis on their medical record. Consequences vary from country to country, but for example, autism diagnoses have been used to deny child custody, access to medical care, entrance to some countries, and general autonomy.
Resource Links
Embrace Autism Self-Diagnostic Tests
