I've been wondering for quite a while if I have autism or not as I seem to hit a lot of the commonly reported symptoms and experiences. I recently tried some of the self-tests out there, including the ones on Embrace Autism, and yeah, I hit every single one I tried for mild to even moderate autism. Scored 49 on the rbq-2a for example.
Now, I know that none of those tests are conclusive and I could easily be a false positive, so I'm not directly claiming I have autism. But I'm thinking the next step is probably to talk to my primary care doctor, but to be honest I'm really hesitant to/don't completely trust the mental health system in Canada. Genuinely asking because I don't really have anyone in my personal life who has similar experiences or I think would understand: what do people here think about getting a formal diagnosis? Is it always something one should pursue if they suspect they're on the spectrum? Are there any major drawbacks? I'm especially concerned about it affecting my career prospects (which already aren't great tbh, my fault for getting a science degree in an already niche field which I deeply regret but that's a different story) or my ability to take out loans or rent an apartment by myself. I don't personally see my autism (if I have it) as a disability, but unfortunately in Canada it is still very much seen as such. Who am I required to disclose an autism diagnosis if I am diagnosed?
I'm really sorry if any of this comes off as insensitive. I have never really participated in the autism online community and I am in no way trying to put down people with autism, I'm honestly just kind of scared about what this means for me. Anyone else in a similar situation, or were in a similar situation? Care to share your experiences or have any advice?
Another "no idea about the situation im CA" comment, but I think this is pretty the same everywhere (in Western countries).
Personally I suspected I have some ASD symptoms but that I actually have ADHD. But now it's clear I have no ADHD and I will learn later today whether I get clinically diagnosed with ASD. By now it's clear I have some symptoms very strongly, some rather mildly and some probably not at all. Knowing this has already helped me deal with myself better (e.g. less fighting against my nature where I now know they're lost battles anyway) so the formal diagnosis matters less at this point. But it would enable me to get more insurance-paid therapy to start into this "new life" and I could make some demands at work of I feel them necessary (currently that only includes keeping a fixed/own desk when we soon switch to shared desks, but that might change the more I learn about my needs).
In your situation, particularly if you're hesitant about seeing a professional about this, I'd read some books on the matter. I think there are three important categories and I recommend reading at least one of each: 1) scientifically(-inclined) ones that explain the "theory" (like those by Atwood), 2) first-hand experiences (auto-biographies and such) and 3) guidebooks (how to deal with it as an adult or as an employee or such).
Edit: Oh, I forgot one benefit of being formally diagnosed. Or maybe they're two. Autism fairly frequently comes together with other psychological syndromes/whatnot, and a psychologist should be able to identify them which might further help you. Autism also fairly frequently is the cause for other psychological illness and a formal Autism diagnosis might speed up your access to help (and medication), e.g. when you suffer from depression.
Edit: oops, it's ASD in English, fixed
I was about to rip you a new orifice for telling OP not to go for formal diagnosis but then you mentioned cost. It sucks for you Yanks. Do something about it.
It costs in Canada too. I had to pay a psychologist her rate for therapy sessions for maybe 5 sessions total when I did my assessment. Mental healthcare isn't viewed as real healthcare here.
I was told I'd have to either pay 5k or go through CMHA.
It's taken about 2 years but I am getting an assement in October. Free. I can't say if it's going to be a good assement, and it's been a really messy process so far and I am guessing their funding was nuked by our premier. But I'll take it over paying 5k.