UK adults

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Is there any Benefit for me getting a formal diagnosis, I haven't yet seen one other than curiosity? Different medicines other than anti depressants or things like that I mean??

Thank you

I would say a student usually benefits more from a diagnosis than a worker or other non-student—just like in the US.

I think there's always a benefit to diagnosis, on a personal level. Practically speaking, having a diagnosis would allow you to request certain accommodations in the workplace or at university. I don't know about the medications because I don't take any, though as far as I'm aware, they wouldn't offer you different meds based on a diagnosis.

You should be aware that the waiting lists can be very long over here, especially if you live in a county without any autism assessment services (as I do). I found the wait extremely stressful. You should also be aware that, even with a diagnosis, there are unlikely to be many services for you as a more highly functioning autistic adult. You can look on the National Autistic Society website for a list of resources in your area. You might be able to access some more informal services without a diagnosis.

The main value in getting a diagnosis in my experience was obtaining some kind of peace of mind and the chance to understand myself better. I also had a much easier time getting deadline extensions at uni when I was overwhelmed. I haven't officially disclosed at work yet, but some of the managers know and I find they're a bit more understanding on days where I'm less able to mask my autism, and it interferes with my work.

In the US, with an autism diagnosis, you can request accommodations within a university settings in things such as untimed tests and having a personal note-taker. These requests are usually granted, without an increase in tuition.

You can also join a special program for people with autism and other learning disabilities. Not many are specialized towards autism. They are usually generalized programs for people with disabilities. There is, usually, an increase in tuition for membership in these programs.

In the workplace, it’s usually more of a problem to obtain accommodations—though it’s gradually getting better. This is especially true for IT jobs and more “professional” sorts of positions.

Disability benefits.