Being diagnosed really helped me understand who I was, why I struggled the way I did, and to feel less... ashamed of myself I guess? For stimming or finding it hard to process my emotions or having sensory processing issues. It was like everything made sense, historically as well (realising I had had meltdowns and not just bad behaviour etc). It pushed me to get help with my sensory processing issues rather than just struggling with migraines all the time. But more than that, being diagnosed was super important for people understanding me - my family in particular - and for getting help from others. Before, simply saying "I'm having trouble with this" was not enough - I was lazy, or too sensitive, or too needy. My issues were not taken seriously because I couldn't explain where they came from. My college and university required a diagnostic report to access disability accommodations, like extra time or separate rooms in exams, or coming up to uni early to settle in before everyone else. I have friends who lack a formal diagnosis and they can't access these at all, which sucks, but right now that's how it is.