Hmmm. I think the nature of self diagnosis is a pretty complex situation. I do understand why it’s not a good idea to diagnosis yourself based on sources such as Wikipedia because those sources don’t have enough information on the condition and they don’t include people’s experiences either.
However, I think they are many reasons why someone may choose to self-diagnose themselves. Getting a diagnosis can be pretty expensive and transportation may be an issue. Also, autism diagnoses are based off on the doctor’s judgement of whether or not someone should get services. If the doctor thinks someone is coping well, they won’t get an official diagnosis. Doctors also have a chance of being wrong, too. Most doctors use criteria that’s only effective in diagnosing cisgendered white males, and not really cis women, transgendered, or people who are racial minorities.
Seeing how Autism and other mental illnesses are badly stigmatized, the people who claim be Autistic for attention or as excuses are a minority. Even if there are some people who do it, I don’t think it’s fair to judge people who self diagnose because there are barriers for getting a proper diagnosis.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2014-12-11 04:19 am (UTC)However, I think they are many reasons why someone may choose to self-diagnose themselves. Getting a diagnosis can be pretty expensive and transportation may be an issue. Also, autism diagnoses are based off on the doctor’s judgement of whether or not someone should get services. If the doctor thinks someone is coping well, they won’t get an official diagnosis. Doctors also have a chance of being wrong, too. Most doctors use criteria that’s only effective in diagnosing cisgendered white males, and not really cis women, transgendered, or people who are racial minorities.
Seeing how Autism and other mental illnesses are badly stigmatized, the people who claim be Autistic for attention or as excuses are a minority. Even if there are some people who do it, I don’t think it’s fair to judge people who self diagnose because there are barriers for getting a proper diagnosis.