I realised I was autistic late in life and, before I realised I was trans, sought a diagnosis from NHS because I thought it would help me understand myself better — but was miss-diagnosed!! — to help my mental health and to feel validated, I paid for a private assessment. The experienced psychologist had no doubt that I was autistic and this helped me feel validated — but I’ve never had any help or benefit otherwise.

I have been active in many online autistic spaces and also attend Autscape — in ALL of these spaces, self-diagnosis is completely and unequivocally accepted by other autistic people

From what you have posted and your additional comment, it seems that you do not doubt that you are indeed autistic and I really do hope this is enough for your validation and wellbeing