this post was submitted on 25 Nov 2025
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Autism
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Some peace of mind for some, I guess. Giving a name to the issue may help a little living with it
Are labels like that actually helpful?
I'm genuinely asking. I feel like they're not, that with or without it you have to forge an understanding with others
Getting my ADHD diagnosis was very validating for me. It validated the struggles and experiences I have, and allows me to be kinder to myself
My self-talk has changed in tone since I got a diagnosis. It's still not very gentle but it's also not outright abusive anymore. It's the difference between "you fucking lazy fuck, everybody else can do this, what is wrong with you?!" and "oh right, THAT'S wrong with you. right, okay, fine, find a different way. again. *eyeroll* sheesh..." That's huge.
In my case yes absolutely, being able to identify it and get help with it did definitely help
Not the labels per se but being able to identify patterns and processes can be a comfort and even helpful if you have the right guidance and support system.
For example, identifying habitual masking (even when unnecessary) and making the decision not to mask can be helpful when socialising by conserving energy and making them more meaningful without the doubt and shame of "faking it". Also giving yourself credit for feeling emotions and stimuli intensely and deciding for yourself to move away from to self-regulate.
The "label" should be foremost for you, hence why some don't feel comfortable getting an official diagnosis (especially in the U.S.)
For some they are, for some they're not, I guess. Personally I do think it helps me understand myself better , but then again I was diagnosed as a kid for ADHD, but have been off meds for 20 year (I forgot to take them and eventually stopped altogether)
As a parent, helping children to name their emotions when they feel something is the very foundation of getting them to recognise what's happening and developing strategies to cope with the strong feelings.
I've been told by parents of kids with autism, and by friends who's received formal diagnosis that it is a very similar mechanism. The 'label' helps with recognising patterns of behaviour, and helps them to develop coping mechanisms.