The Rise of Self-Diagnosis and Hope for Autism Parents
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Los Angeles Times
A growing number of people are using social media and knowledge from those with lived experience in online communities to diagnose themselves with autism and ADHD without a psychologist’s rubber stamp, either out of necessity, principle, or both. Critics inside and outside of neurodivergent spaces are debating the validity of self-diagnosis. Seeking a professional diagnosis may be necessary for some people. Self-diagnosis can be an empowering choice for people who would have otherwise not had access to an accurate evaluation, either because of cost or the bias of diagnostic tools.