Why Obtain A Diagnosis?
The answer is straight forward – ACCESS TO SUPPORT for the Autistic person and their family/caregiver.
Autism, Aspergers, PDA etc. are all hidden disabilities and people with these are affected in many ways.
In the UK & US the average age of an autism diagnosis is 4 years old, and you can receive a diagnosis at as young as 3 years old. Females are generally diagnosed later than males largely because a lot more is known about males on the autism spectrum and secondly females tend to mask their difficulties and are remarkable at mimicking and trying to fit in – this sadly comes at significant cost to their mental health if not spotted early on.
There are several negative connotations and stigmas associated with having a disability. Mostly commonly shame and embarrassment. A myriad of unhelpful thoughts and emotions including failure and guilt results in defensive safety seeking or withdrawal from society. The world becomes a smaller and lonelier place. It has been proven that being less connected to people has a detrimental effect on health and general welfare.
Sadly, misdiagnosis (or no diagnosis) is common and without following your gut instinct and keep seeking answers. Instead, the autistic person can be left with a diagnosis of depression and anxiety from expending extraordinary amounts of energy desperately try to fit and suffering burnout, often asking yourself “why is life so hard?” When in fact many autistic people, pre-diagnoses, don’t have mental health problems, they are autistic and need someone to listen, see them and find the correct kind of support.
Furthermore, a diagnosis generally allows the person access to additional support whether it be in an educational setting or out in public/workplace – which can be invaluable. Autistic people need assistance so that they can get the same out of society that their neurotypical counterparts do and so that they can thrive and live happier, fulfilled lives.
People who have received a later diagnosis of autism often state that “it all makes sense now” and sometimes even relief. Their feelings and problems are not unique to them as others have similar concerns and challenges. Many of the things they are struggling with have medical names and most of the time there are approaches to overcome or better manage these. Once you know about your diagnosis and have processed it you might have comfort from the knowledge that you have a tribe, a feeling of belonging and group of people you can share your concerns, thoughts, and feelings. You are seen!
How to Diagnose/Assess for PDA
There are many online checklists available should you want to pinpoint and read about autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
An initial autism evaluation can be done by a paediatrician or any doctor who provides neurodevelopmental assessments. This is usually done with assessments from a clinical or educational psychologist, a psychiatrist, speech/language therapists, and occupational therapists.
Having a specific profile that includes the person’s strengths and specific needs is helpful in getting the proper support for home, school and/or work, tailoring this as the individual’s needs change.
Here are a few of places to seek information or additional support:
The National Autistic Society
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
The PDA Society
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
The Neurodiversity Centre of South Africa