Dear AuDHD Auntie

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Should I get diagnosed?

Dear AuDHD Auntie is NeuroSpark’s advice column for all things neurodivergent. 
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Dear AuDHD Auntie,
Should I get diagnosed?

- Thinking About It

Dear Thinking About It,

This is a great question that so many of us wonder about, and like many things neurodivergent, the answer is nuanced. There are a number of reasons a person might seek a formal assessment and official diagnosis, including:
 

• Wanting to explore medication support for ADHD and needing a diagnosis to start that process.
   

• Needing a documented diagnosis to get disability benefits such as workplace or school accommodations, disability leave, or SSDI.
   

• A formal diagnosis affirming what someone already was curious or wondered about themselves after doing research and informal self-evaluation.
   

Similarly, there are various reasons a person may not seek formal assessment and diagnosis, including:
 

• Financial accessibility – the process can be financially burdensome or flat-out inaccessible to some, as it’s often not covered by insurance. 
   

• Capacity accessibility – some find the process overwhelming and taxing energy and capacity-wise and opt not to go through all the paperwork and interviewing.
   

• Affirming accessibility – finding a neurodivergent affirming provider who understands that Autism and ADHD show up differently across different genders and races can be challenging. 
   

• Lack of access – there may not be access to an assessing provider for months or even years due to waiting lists and referral processes.
   

• Valid concerns about being discriminated against for having a diagnosed neurodivergent disability on record. 
   

• Some people are satisfied with self-identifying based on the research and self-evaluations they have done on their own and don’t find it necessary to pursue formal assessment. 

The decision to pursue formal assessment and diagnosis is a completely personal one based on your needs, goals, and desires. The coaches and clinicians at NeuroSpark are always happy to hold space with you as you explore your own pros and cons so you can make the most informed decision possible. We're here to support you.

Kindly, 
AuDHD Auntie