Understanding Your Neurotype: Why It Matters (And Why the Choice Is Yours)

This is my personal perspective. Everyone has the right to choose what is best for themselves or their child. This is not a post telling anyone they should pursue a diagnosis. Self‑identification is valid. This is about understanding yourself or your child.

After a week of facilitating professional development, one question came up in every session:

“Should I get my child diagnosed?”

 “Should I get diagnosed?”

People weren’t asking me to confirm whether they or their child is autistic. They were naming the internal conflict about whether to seek clarity at all.

There is strong research showing that understanding your neurotype — through diagnosis or self‑identification — is linked to improved wellbeing. A positive autistic identity is associated with better mental health, stronger self‑esteem, and a clearer sense of self. Understanding who we are often helps us find the people and spaces where we feel safe and accepted. That sense of belonging is known to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.

Adults

I don’t tell adults whether they should seek a diagnosis. That’s not my role.

 A common question is:

“If I don’t want medication or funding, what’s the point?”

I usually ask:

What are you hoping to understand?

What outcome matters to you?

If you recognised yourself as autistic, how might that shift your daily life?

The answers often surprise people. Many say:

“I think I’d be more compassionate to myself.”

“My life would make more sense.”

One person said, “I wouldn’t feel so broken or like I’m failing at being human.”

Children

The same applies to parents. I don’t tell anyone whether to pursue an assessment.

When parents say they don’t want their child “labelled,” I ask what labels their child already carries. The answers are usually: naughty, stubborn, inflexible, know‑it‑all (sound familiar?)

Then I ask:

What would change if the label was autistic instead?

Parents often pause. Many say it would bring more understanding, support, and compassion — both for themselves and their child.

My perspective

There is no single right answer. I am biased. I believe in the value of understanding your neurotype — through diagnosis or self‑identification. Research supports this, and so does my professional and personal experience.

Understanding your neurotype is powerful, but it’s only the first step. The conversations, support, and identity development that follow are what shape positive autistic identity.

That’s a discussion for another day.

And again — this is my personal view. Everyone has the right to choose what feels right for themselves or their child.

Rainbow filled drawing of two people, facing away, with one arm over each other. Illustrator: My very creative and talented 14-year-old AuDHD daughter.