What is a Diagnosis?

What is a Diagnosis? What does it mean to have Autism Spectrum Disorder, or another psychiatric condition? Is getting an official professional diagnosis going to be helpful, or lead to a positive outcome?

Do you know someone who might have Autism, or any psychiatric condition or disorder, and might benefit from a diagnosis? The question of diagnosis is an important one, and one I think would help a lot of people if more of us understood what a diagnosis is, what it means, what it doesn’t mean, and how to make the most of a diagnosis to help someone we love be able to receive treatment, supports or assistance, or understanding of themselves and their struggles.
When I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2003 at the age of 19, I was in a very fragile and troubled state. I had dropped out of two colleges over the previous year, and I couldn’t organize my thoughts, or decide what I wanted to do with my life, and I couldn’t connect to other people. I wanted to study, but I had a hard time focusing, managing time and tasks I needed to do, and I struggled with social interaction and communication. I was having all kinds of difficulties and struggles, and couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t do things that other people seemed to be able to do. I wondered if there was something wrong with my brain. I was a wreck, and had some severe meltdowns with family members. I was struggling and couldn’t seem to function and perform the tasks I needed to do in school or work.

My parents set up neurological testing in response to my distress. I met with a neurologist who gave me a bunch of tests, I don’t know what specific tests he was using. I remember being asked questions and given problems to do, some which seemed like puzzles, and maybe IQ questions. The neurologist also used information given by my family to come to a diagnosis.

But regardless, I want to discuss the idea of diagnosis, because it needs to be better understood what a diagnosis is and what it isn’t.

For one thing, a diagnosis does not mean that all people with that diagnosis are the same. Each person with a diagnosis is a unique person. While a diagnosis does mean that there are commonalities, that diagnosis is a tool for helping a person, not a category. Just because you know someone has a diagnosis, does not mean you know that person. Diagnoses are tools for helping someone, they do not dispense with the need to know that person as an unique individual.

Also, as our understanding of people with autism grows, and more and more people share their experiences, their stories, and what works or helps and what doesn’t, it will make it better for more people to be able to get a diagnosis without feeling shame or stigma. There will be people who have never closely known someone with autism or another condition, but as more and more people share their diagnosis, we will become better understood, and more people will know how to better interact with each other, and see past the surface characteristics to the whole person within.

Getting a diagnosis can help with getting resources, finding professionals and service offered by those who have experience with those who have similar issues. With an accurate diagnosis, you can find treatments that have been tried and tested, and work for people with similar profiles. You may be able to find support groups and people who share the same experiences and struggles, and you may, through listening to others or reading those who have the same diagnosis, be better able to understand yourself, and see that you are not alone in the difficulties you have. A diagnosis doesn’t have to just be a label. It isn’t about “fixing” you. It can be a positive and supportive thing.

I encourage everyone to learn more about various psychiatric diagnoses, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder. The more people know about and are aware of various diagnoses, and the relevant support and resources available, the more easy it will be for people to seek accurate professional diagnoses, and be open to getting the understanding and community support they need.