If you've found yourself at this particular blog post, Am I Autistic? may be a question you've been wrestling with. This article is going to cover a little about what Autism is, resources for self-exploration, and factors in considering a formal diagnosis.
Understanding Autism Through a Neuroaffirming Lens
Autism is a naturally occurring neurotype that shapes how people experience the world, process information, and interact with others. While traditional understandings of autism often focus on deficits or pathology; the neuroaffirming, or neurodiversity-affirming, perspective recognizes autism as a valid and valuable way of being. Autistic people aren’t "broken neurotypicals". Autistic brains function differently, not incorrectly.
For many, realizing they may be autistic is a life-changing moment. It can bring clarity to lifelong struggles and validation to experiences that never quite fit within mainstream expectations. However, navigating this realization can feel overwhelming, especially in a world that still largely misunderstands autism. If you're wondering whether you might be autistic, self-exploration is a great first step.
Self-Assessments for Exploration
While no online test can provide a definitive diagnosis, self-assessments can be a helpful starting point for understanding your experiences. Embrace Autism offers a collection of research-backed self-assessments, including:
The RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised)
The AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient)
The CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire)
The EQ (Empathy Quotient) and SQ (Systemizing Quotient)
You can explore these assessments here.
Many autistic adults find that these tools provide language for their experiences, helping them make sense of traits like sensory sensitivities, social exhaustion, or a deep need for routine and predictability.
Neuroaffirming Reading List
Learning from other autistic voices can be incredibly validating and empowering. If you’re exploring your identity, consider checking out these neuroaffirming resources:
Books
Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, PhD
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg
Neuroqueer Heresies by Nick Walker
Explaining Humans by Camilla Pang
Autistic Thinking by Alondra Rogers
Articles & Blogs
Neuroclastic – A collective of autistic writers sharing lived experiences
Neurodivergent Insights – Neurodiversity-affirming educational resources
Listening to autistic perspectives is crucial. Many traditional resources are written by non-autistic people who frame autism through a medicalized lens rather than a neurodiversity-affirming one.
Should I Seek a Formal Diagnosis?
Some adults who suspect they may be autistic pursue a formal diagnosis, while others find self-identification to be enough. Should you seek a diagnosis? There’s no right or wrong answer that's going to be the same for everyone.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Potential Benefits of a Diagnosis
✅ Validation & Self-Understanding – A professional diagnosis can provide clarity and a sense of relief with validation.
✅ Accommodations & Support – In some settings, a formal diagnosis can help access workplace or educational accommodations.
✅ Community Connection – Some find that having an official diagnosis makes it easier to connect with autistic spaces.
Potential Drawbacks of a Diagnosis
❌ Cost & Accessibility – Autism assessments for adults can be expensive and difficult to access.
❌ Bias in the Diagnostic Process – Many clinicians are still unfamiliar with how autism presents in adults, especially in women, nonbinary people, and BIPOC individuals.
❌ Social and Organizational Stigma – Autism is often misunderstood and, despite legal protections, self-identification may be associated with facing prejudice and discrimination.
You might take some time to process these pros and cons, considering the impact on your unique situation. If you are leaning towards being assessed for an Autism diagnosis, it can be helpful to be intentional in connecting with neurodiversity-affirming provider.
Finding a Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism Assessment Provider
If you decide to seek a formal autism assessment, it’s important to find a provider who takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach rather than one rooted in outdated deficit-based models. A neuroaffirming provider recognizes that autism is a natural variation of human neurology, not a disorder to be “fixed.”
When searching for an assessor, look for mental health professionals providing Autism assessment who explicitly state that they work from a neurodiversity framework. You can start by checking directories like Embrace Autism’s list of providers, or local autistic advocacy organizations. It can also be helpful to ask potential providers about their assessment process: Do they consider masking and camouflaging? Do they recognize autism as a spectrum that presents differently across genders and cultures? If an assessor focuses heavily on social deficits without acknowledging autistic strengths or adaptation strategies, they may not be the best fit.
Seeking recommendations from autistic communities, such as online forums or local neurodivergent support groups, can also help you find an affirming provider.
Conclusion: Your Experience is Valid
Exploring your neurodivergence can be a deeply personal and empowering process. Whether you pursue a formal diagnosis or choose self-identification, what matters most is how you make sense of your experiences and what supports help you thrive. While seeking a diagnosis is a perfectly valid choice, you do not require external validation to be authentically yourself. Engaging with neurodivergent-affirming resources, connecting with autistic-led communities, and embracing self-compassion can all be part of a meaningful journey toward self-understanding. Regardless of where you are in your exploration, know that your experiences are real, your perspective is valuable, and you deserve to navigate the world in a way that honors your needs.
Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
is a psychotherapist and founder at Divergent Path Wellness.
Interested in working with a neuroaffirming therapist in Virginia?
If you're seeking assessment or other services, check out our recommendations.
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