Zaza I've realised that I'm autistic and I've talked to my therapist and he agrees with me. I want to reach out to a support group for autistic people that my college has but I'm scared people will judge me because my diagnosis isn't official. I'm afraid people will think I'm just self diagnosing myself and trying to get attention. Should I wait for something official before I do anything?
Short answer: No, you should go.Â
Explanation: First, whatâs wrong with getting attention? You deserve attention, everyone does. Plus, thatâs what support groups are for- getting and giving attention. By design, support groups are all about a give and take within a community that shares some commonality. Theyâre about bringing attention to the individuals involved, not about judging one anotherâs âworthinessâ
Secondly, it sounds like youâve done your research and your therapist agrees with your self-diagnosis. IMHO thatâs sufficient to join a support group. Remember that if things change or donât feel right, you can leave at any time.Â
Thirdly, people judge others, itâs just part of life. Does that mean you donât belong or wonât be accepted? Certainly not. Chances are, you wonât even be the only self-diagnosed person in the room! People generally donât attend support groups to be judgemental and exclusionary, they go for the support (give/take).Â
The bottom line, youâre not joining this group to make fun of them, your joining to get help and help others. That means you belong and I hope youâll go to the next meeting. I know itâs scary to join a new support group, but theyâre one of the best tools out there- so go! Wishing you all the good luck, dove!
