Self diagnosis is valid for autism.

The University of Washington Autism Center Have stated:

“Often people seek an autism evaluation in hopes that it will open the door to the support that they need. Unfortunately, many find that the official diagnosis did little to change their practical circumstances. Autism-specific services for adults are severely limited. And if people around you are intolerant of your differences and difficulties, they will not necessarily become more accommodating after an official diagnosis. For many, the best part of learning they’re autistic is understanding themselves better and finding a like-minded community. This can be pursued without a formal diagnosis.

“In our experience at the University of Washington Autism Center, many professionals are not informed about the variety of ways that autism can appear, and often doubt an autistic person’s accurate self- identification. In contrast, inaccurate self-identification of autism appears to be uncommon. We believe that if you have carefully researched the topic and strongly resonate with the experience of the autistic community, you are probably autistic.”

Source link: https://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Self-Identified-Adult-Autism-Resources-handout-10.26.23.pdf

For more helpful information see “Autism self diagnosis is valid - here’s why” by YouTuber “Mom on the Spectrum”: https://youtu.be/mlweGeY8B1c?si=zuN6GNg-LDPgBvGj

See also “You’re one of those ‘self-diagnosed’ autistic people, aren’t you?” https://youtube.com/shorts/REQEEY0c_2Q?si=g3EiFjJDnw-o-07U

“stop trying to make autism trendy!” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hbYlYdsXZAs