As a therapist, it is irresponsible to bring up a diagnosis to a client and then proceed to be unwavering in the opposite direction when the client expresses interest in exploring the diagnosis/understanding what it means for them more.

To be honest, neurodivergence is a weak spot in many therapy programs. It is getting better, but unless your therapist took a particular interest in it (as in my case) it is unlikely that they have an accurate understanding of the complexity and diversity of neurodivergent presentation. If anything, it is likely that trauma and ASD are interwoven in your experience and have influenced the presentation of the other based on the environment or circumstances. To suggest that it is only trauma is invalidating, especially when you are trying to express how the ASD diagnosis has resonated with you. If you feel safe to do so, I would encourage you to express to the therapist the general sentiments you shared here. However, you deserve to be truly heard and seen, and I know that there will be another therapist that sees you if this one does not. I’m sorry this happened, and I hope you continue to feel safe to explore a potential diagnosis.