1. Self-diagnose autism
2. What do you need a formal autism diagnosis for?
If you need a diagnosis for university or work, check the requirements for your diagnosis to be considered valid. Sometimes, formal diagnoses from psychologists are preferred, sometimes it’s better when they are done with psychiatrists. Make sure you find a practitioner with the right specialty.
3. Find a practitioner
Finding the perfect practitioner can be difficult. Choose someone who is specialised in autism and has experience. Keep in mind that the first practitioner you find may not be the right one. To stay motivated in case of a disappointing diagnostic experience, short-list the best practitioners you find. Go through the list until you get a real answer.
If no specialist is available in your area, you can request a formal assessment by Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht and her team online. Dr. Engelbrecht is autistic as well.
4. Collect evidence
Prepare a file with completed self-assessments, lists of markers and triggers you identified, letters from relatives describing you, lists of ‘quirks’, special interests, anecdotes etc. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The more material you provide the diagnostician with, the smoother the process will be.
5. Check your family
Autism is highly hereditary. Most autistics have family members with epilepsy, autism, ADHD, bipolarity, trisomy 21 etc. Diagnosticians ask for a complete family history during formal assessments.
6. Journal and reflect
It’s time for some introspection. Reflect on the reasons that made you start your formal diagnostic journey. Knowing exactly what you want out of this will help you to direct your energy towards your goal.
7. Ground yourself
An upcoming first appointment can be both exciting and stressful. You probably waited months for it and might have big expectations. Bear in mind that almost every late diagnosed autistic, who went down that path before you, had disappointing appointments with practitioners. If this is your case too, don’t dwell on it. Stick to your plan and find someone else.