Is Self-Diagnosis Valid?

If you’ve been researching autism, ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence and thinking “this sounds like me,” but worried about whether you can trust that understanding without a professional diagnosis — let me be clear: yes, self-diagnosis can absolutely be valid.

This isn’t about making casual assumptions or jumping to conclusions. It’s about the reality that for many people, self-diagnosis is not just valid — it’s necessary.

Here’s why accessing formal diagnosis can be genuinely difficult:

• Cost and availability: Private assessments can cost thousands, and public waitlists can stretch for years
• Bias in the system: Many professionals still use outdated criteria that miss women, people of colour, adults, and anyone who doesn’t fit the traditional profile
• Invalidating experiences: Some people face dismissive attitudes or are told they “can’t be autistic/ADHD” because they can make eye contact, have a degree, or seem “too functional”
• Geographic barriers: Specialists might not exist in your area, especially for adult diagnosis

When formal pathways are blocked or harmful, self-diagnosis becomes an act of self-advocacy and self-care.

Good self-diagnosis involves:

• Deep research into reliable sources, not just social media
• Honest reflection on your lived experience across your lifetime
• Connecting with neurodivergent communities to learn from others
• Considering multiple explanations and possibilities
• Understanding that identity can evolve as you learn more

Self-diagnosis can provide:

• Language that finally makes sense of your experience
• Relief from years of feeling “broken” or “wrong”
• Permission to stop masking and trying to be someone you’re not
• Access to communities and resources that understand you
• Strategies and accommodations that actually help

Yes, a formal diagnosis can open doors to legal accommodations and medical support. But your understanding of yourself doesn’t depend on a professional’s validation. You know your own mind, your own struggles, your own patterns.

If calling yourself autistic, ADHD, or neurodivergent helps you make sense of your life and live more authentically, that understanding is valuable — regardless of what any piece of paper says.