Pros and Cons of an ASD Assessment

You may be wondering why you or your child sometimes display ‘differences’ compared with your family, friends and others.

Some people might try to downplay their behaviours, while others search for an explanation.

One possible reason is autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – which sees the brain work differently from that of someone who does not have autism.

So, what can you do if you suspect you or your child might have ASD? Do you get a diagnosis or try to manage your symptoms yourself?

In this guide, Dr Lisa Williams explores the benefits and potential disadvantages of getting an autism assessment, to help you decide if the decision is right for you.

Faced with a potential diagnosis, many of us consider burying our heads in the sand. And when it comes to ASD, some people may even be content self-identifying without a clinical diagnosis.

So, why should you pursue one? Below, we look at some of the reasons a professional diagnosis can improve the quality of life for those with suspected ASD: 

• Understanding yourself – or your child – better: People with autism can spend years thinking, or being told, that they’re ‘shy’, ‘awkward’ and ‘different’. Children with autism might even be considered ‘naughty’ or ‘distracted’ at school.
  
  A formal diagnosis can help explain and refute these labels, and help you better understand your symptoms. It can also help people embrace their unique strengths instead of focusing on their differences.  

• Accessing formal support – Those who self-identify as autistic, or don’t even consider themselves to have ASD, may be left to struggle with certain aspects of their life without support. This might include at work, in relationships or during childhood education.
  
  A clinical ASD diagnosis provides the basis for accessing formal support to help with your unique circumstances. This might include health and social care, reasonable neuroaffirming adjustments in the workplace, educational support and even financial benefits.  

• Prescribed medication – While there is no medication specifically for ASD, a diagnosis can provide a basis for accessing other relevant treatment options – such as for co-existing or exacerbating symptoms like stress, anxiety or depression.

• Embracing a community – A formal ASD diagnosis often leads people to explore their condition with greater curiosity. Not only can this help with accepting your potential ‘differences’, but it can also steer you towards other people with autism.
  
  Connecting with others can help normalise some of the differences people feel when speaking with non-autistic people. It can even help people bond and form long-term friendships and support networks.

• Reduced judgement – Some self-identifying people – or those without a clinical diagnosis – may be dismissed or judged by others because their condition isn’t backed by professional psychological assessment.
  
  And while this shouldn’t be a reason to seek psychological assessment, some people find a clinical diagnosis can help them feel more confident in explaining their condition or seeking reasonable adjustments.

If you think you or your child might have ASD and wish to seek further assessment, this should start with your GP.

Assessments should be completed only by clinicians with the necessary experience and expertise in the condition. Typically, this will be a psychiatrist, psychologist or an advanced nurse practitioner.

The Autism Service offers Adult Autism Assessments and Child Autism Assessments, to identify these conditions in individuals, so they get the support they need to thrive.

You might be wondering if there are any reasons not to get an autism diagnosis.

Some people worry others will view them differently, or that the diagnosis will leave them with more questions than answers. But are these feelings valid?

Below are some of the potential disadvantages of getting an autism diagnosis:

• Fears you’ll be treated differently – While a formal diagnosis can help some people understand themselves better, you may be wary about how others will perceive you once diagnosed.

However, many people find that their diagnosis simply means their family, friends and colleagues understand their difficulties better and help them develop strategies to thrive.

• Unclear next steps – Some people may wonder how their diagnosis will – or even won’t – impact their lives. There can even be scepticism around how a diagnosis will help improve a person’s symptoms.

The reality is that a diagnosis empowers people with autism to take control over their own future – for example, by learning more about their condition, seeking reasonable adjustments and even seeking medication for some symptoms.

• Potentially stressful process – Waiting times for NHS assessments can be long. And this can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety in those looking to access support. 

ASD assessments with The Autism Service generally start within four weeks of booking, and take around one to two months to complete depending on the individual. This means you could receive a formal diagnosis in just a matter of weeks – and begin your journey to better understanding and managing your symptoms. 

Autism is a protected characteristic under The Equality Act (2010) – which is designed to make sure individuals cannot be discriminated against based on age, sex, race, disability and more.

This means it is a criminal offence to treat people unfairly at work, in education or when providing services, because of these characteristics.

While you may worry that receiving a formal autism diagnosis means people will start to treat you differently, for most people it’s quite the opposite. A diagnosis not only helps them better understand themselves and their symptoms, but it also gives them the confidence and the clinical basis to seek support where they need it, and avoid discrimination. 

If you believe you’ve faced discrimination based on your autism diagnosis or characteristics, you can access support by contacting the Equality Advisory & Support Service (EASS).

So, after weighing up the potential benefits and disadvantages of an autism assessment, you may be wondering if you should get one.

Some people living with characteristics of autism lead happy and fulfilling lives without a formal diagnosis. They might be happy self-identifying or simply feel confident managing their symptoms without formal support.

However, many others feel like a diagnosis drastically improves their quality of life. This might be due to the anxiety that can come with not knowing, or because a clinical diagnosis gives them the confidence to seek support in work and education or even with medication.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual and which decision helps them to thrive.