New study finds online self-reports may not accurately reflect clinical autism diagnoses. Adults who report high levels of autistic traits through online surveys may not reflect the same social behaviors or clinical profiles as those who have been formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

[u/mvea]

https://www.psypost.org/new-study-finds-online-self-reports-may-not-accurately-reflect-clinical-autism-diagnoses/

[u/grillcheezi]

This was how it went for me. I started learning about neurodivergence when a family member discussed potentially having ADHD. This led me to information about autism which clicked with me more than I expected, so I went to a professional to figure it out.

Turns out the “quirky” behaviors that run in the family have diagnosis codes.

I do not think online tests should be used to officially confirm anything, but taking one did push me to seek professional evaluation. The score made me think “Maybe this means something. Maybe I should learn more about this and see a doctor.”

[u/apcolleen → u/grillcheezi]

I have 3 friends so far who have either gotten an autism or adhd diagnosis because my memes were "too relatable". There is a lot that clinical presentations miss because what is available to medical professionals lacks nuance. Most of the coping strategies I have developed since getting diagnosed with ADHD at 36 and autism at 41, I have learned from mental health providers online who also have the conditions so their lived experiences mixed with clinical constructs can be better explained.

Most therapists made me feel as if I was choosing to be "too sensitive" and the solution was obviously to medicate me into dullness. But the real solution was medicating my ADHD that I hid really well because I was trying to hide how overly sensitive I was.Oh and I ended up with /r/dysautonomia because of masking so hard and then mold exposure sealed the deal.