To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose?
This is a question we often get asked at Lexxic, for example, when delivering neurodiversity webinars or in our one-to-one services.
Sometimes individuals have asked me: What is the benefit? Is it worth the wait? Is it worth the effort and the scrutiny you get put under? What happens if I bare all and I don't get diagnosed and I have wasted time? Then what?
It’s important to remember that being diagnosed is a personal journey and can impact every individual differently. For example:
Some may not find it necessary and may not see the benefit in going through the process.
Some may not want to be diagnosed due to not wanting a 'label' or to be perceived as 'different'.
Some may prefer to self-identify.
Some are looking for answers and go for a diagnosis to learn more about themselves.
Some look for a route for further support such as medication or receiving additional support throughout education in childhood and early adulthood while attending university.
Some may be having difficulties in the workplace and seek support or answers but may fear stigma about disclosing a diagnosis or wonder how it will impact on finding or sustaining work.
Some may have a diagnosis but not wish to share this with others as it is deeply personal.
These are just a few of the reasons why someone may choose to or not to pursue receiving a diagnosis. In research carried out by the Embracing Complexity Coalition in 2019, survey results showed that that nearly half (46%) of the individuals who participated had not been offered information or support to help them understand what their diagnosis meant or how it might affect their life.
Personally, I went for my dyslexia diagnosis at 25 because I felt like I was not 'thick and stupid' and there had to be some reason behind my thought process and academic performance. I went for my ADHD diagnosis because I wanted to understand myself better and see if medication could alleviate some of my challenges. It turns out that medication was not the answer for me, but coaching and learning ways to understand and put strategies in place was what I needed.
It’s also important to note that everyone will have their own journey, background, challenges, and strengths. Talking through options can help, whether this is with a friend, family member or within support groups with people who have lived experience to share.
You may also be aware that the NHS waiting list is long and can vary from one region to
another. There is the option of looking at getting support privately or potentially accessing support through your workplace, all of which are important aspects to consider when thinking about getting a diagnosis. The NHS also has a helpful resource called Right to Choose which provides choices to best suit your circumstances.
Understanding the Difference Between a Screening and Diagnosis
If someone suspects they have a neurodifference, but have not been formally diagnosed, a screening or a diagnostic assessment is often recommended. A screening assessment indicates whether the individual is demonstrating a neurodifference, but it does not provide a diagnosis. The standard screening assessment process includes the following:
A pre-assessment questionnaire
An assessment using a screening tool
The creation of a report
A diagnostic assessment on the other hand confirms whether an individual has a neurodifference. The standard diagnostic assessment process includes the following:
The gathering of an individual’s background information
The completion of several questionnaires and activities, or specific tasks
The creation of a report
So, if you're wondering if you should or should not go for a diagnosis, my advice is to consider the ‘why’ behind both options and what a diagnosis would mean for you. Remember that it's your life and your own personal journey, so do what feels right for you. Try to seek support where possible from others, especially those with lived experience, as hearing their stories may offer some additional support and insight. At Lexxic, we use a range of recognised tests in our diagnostic and screening assessments, and these can be delivered virtually for your convenience. Following the assessment, you will receive a full written report and a detailed overview of individual strengths, challenges, recommendations and next steps.
You can learn more about our psychological support services here, or get in touch with our team today to see how we can support you.
This blog was written by Abigail Tennant and contributed to by Vicki Carss