AAHA CHAPTER 2: DO I NEED A REAL DIAGNOSIS? {Pre-release eBook}

Early Access to Chapter 2 of our New Book Exclusively for The Autistic Culture Podcast Sustaining Supporters

This chapter discusses the complexities of autism diagnosis, contrasting formal medical diagnoses with self-diagnosis. Historically, the definition of autism has shifted frequently due to biases and limited research. Autism traits have existed far longer than its medical recognition, dating back at least 160,000 years. Formal diagnoses offer practical benefits like legal accommodations but carry risks of discrimination. The author emphasizes the validity and empowerment of informed self-identification, highlighting challenges such as trauma and masking that complicate diagnosis. Ultimately, understanding and accepting oneself independently of medical validation is crucial, though formal diagnosis may sometimes be practically necessary.