Hi, new WP user with question

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Hi, I'm new WP user, I created my account after seeing lots of relatable stories on here regarding imposter syndrome
I can relate to an oddly large amount of people on this website, but probably substantially younger than most (for privacy reasons not disclosing exact age but will say I'm a teen)
I've been researching (possibly casually but possibly obsessively, I can't tell) and slightly suspecting that I'm autistic for the past ~1/2 year, and every free test I can find online says it's true, but I'm still not sure. I haven't told anyone, so I decided to post something here. I've had pretty excellent grades in my whole educational career, shy girl with small social life and passion for dance/music. Any possible/random advice welcome because I don't know what I should identify as and the imposter syndrome is always annoying

Welcome to WP!

I cannot tell you what you should do. Do not assume my opinions below are the best advice.

My advice:

If you need treatment then you probably need a formal diagnosis. If you need special accommodations then you probably need a formal diagnosis.

BUT---

If you are able to get along in life OK without a formal diagnosis, without treatment, and without formal workplace accommodations...then I--personally--think perhaps you would be better off without a formal diagnosis. With a formal diagnosis of "Autism" you also gain the label of "Autistic". People will want to treat you differently. It will always be unclear where you are obligated to report it. It may close opportunities. (For instance, my understanding is it could prevent you from joining the U.S. military.)

With an unofficial self-diagnosis you can still use the Internet (including Wrong Planet!) to research Autism and possible coping techniques. No formal diagnosis is needed.

Then live a productive and successful life. Build your skills and your credentials. Then, in a few decades, if you are still interested, get a formal Adult Autism Assessment (you should be able to afford it by then).

If, at that point, you get a formal diagnosis of "Autism", so what? Keep learning about it, and keep using the things you've already learned. But you will have built a secure life for yourself and the formal diagnosis is just interesting personal trivia.

Me, for instance... I served in the U.S. military (this country likes veterans!), gotten a college education, built myself a good resume, and worked my way to two retirements (that is, two pensions!). And I stopped working when I was 56. Then I got an Adult Autism Assessment when I was 64...because I wanted to know, not because I needed to know. My friends and family already thought I was weird so the diagnosis is just a bit more weirdness.

Oh, if you decide to go my route, keep good records. It might help with an eventual assessment.

And, I admit, I would've gotten the assessment 10 or 20 years sooner if I had suspected I was Autistic. I did not suspect Autism until I was 64 and I almost learned too late...some of the hints I needed could not have happened later.

You mention a problem with the imposter syndrome. Do you mean that you fear your suspicion that you have ASD won't be believed, or is it something else?

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to wrong planet.

I think DoubleRetired gave you good basic guidelines about the pros and cons of professional diagnosis and self diagnosis.

I would add you need to be selfish when making this decision. You can’t make important decisions about your life based on what others think or and especially what they might think. I said might because while you fear how others will react you don’t know how they will react.

Good luck and don’t hesitate to keep reaching out to us.

I hope you have found these:
- Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test (AQ)
- Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test (abbreviated to AQ) ^{Registering is optional!}

Welcome to Wrong Planet!