crusom 
So I came to realize that I might be autistic.
There's a ton of evidence that I can think of and all of my closer friends confirm that, like it's the most obvious thing.
However the diagnosis is very expensive.
And I'm not comfortable with defining myself as autistic, because people often dismiss it, if you don't have the diagnosis. Which is fair tbh, I can see that this term is abused now.
It might help to be able to clearly explain myself to people, that I'm not a creep or a freak and I'm not trying to be rude, and that this is just a normal thing people sometimes have.
So idk. You can share with me your ways to deal with that issue.
Do you actually communicate to others that you're autistic or are you masking or just don't give a shit?
#autism
3:07pmWeb
Show threadBarto Nemo Kopeć | ♿ MS+ | 🏳️‍⚧️9h ago
@crusom
I think someone could get diagnosis if want some benefits from state/ZUS/MOPS. If not, on diagnosis meeting you could just hear what you already know about yourself, i think. I could recommend cheap psychologist from Wroclaw that does diagnosis on one meeting.
Show threadAutistiCritic7h ago
@crusom I’ve just received my diagnosis and there is an initial relief that comes with the clarity. However, I have waited a long time for it (UK-based, by the way) so I’d say that it depends. Would a diagnosis make any difference to you or those around you? Would it make it easier to access any support you need? 🤔
Show threadDianora (Diane Bruce)7h ago

@crusom One of my sisters spotted it. Being autistic is not an excuse for not being a decent human being. That's the abuse right there. People using it as an excuse.
This may help https://www.verywellmind.com/self-diagnosis-according-to-an-autistic-psychologist-8650879

Naw, the autistic humour is real. You'll see.

Show threadAlexis Miller6h ago

@crusom Before I got my diagnosis, I liked to stick to saying I was neurodivergent. This hinted at more than my long-time diagnosis, ADHD, and was more comfortable than specifying autistic.

You can also just name the relative trait: "I'm sorry, I don't always understand basic boundaries and societal rules. Please tell me if I cross a boundary or hurt your feelings. I want to learn!" Or, "This is a sincere question..." (to lower chances of your question being interpretted as combative).

Show threadmarkc5686h ago

@crusom I’m in my 50s, and just recently self-diagnosed via a few online assessments. First was ADHD, but that didn’t explain the masking I’ve done my entire life. Then I took the autism assessment.

I think self-diagnosis is entirely valid. For me it has been like having a light turned on in a room that’s been pitch black for decades. Everything about my life makes so much sense now.

You get to choose who you share it with. I’ve only told my wife and adult daughters, but I don’t think they necessarily understand the significance. I think I’ve masked as normal so well for so long that it doesn’t register with them.

Someone described it as “living life on hard mode” and that really resonated with me.

#actuallyautistic #adhd

Show threadAnna 🦁6h ago
@crusom I mention my autism only on Mastodon 😅. In real life, I mentioned just to a few friend I am certainly autistic. I don't have an official diagnosis, just a pre-diagnosis that was enough to convince myself. I just mention my needs to the people, like, my sensory issues or my needs of details and clarity. People don't know anything about autism, so I don't think saying we are autistic to allistic people can help us to be understood in any way.