Should I Seek an Autism Diagnosis? Exploring Diagnosis and Identity Through Models of Disability
Am I Autistic?
You’ve been doing some research and find you share many characteristics with Autistic people. You’ve read some Autistic peoples stories and resonated with the experiences you found there. You tend to hang out or get along best with Autistic or otherwise neurodivergent people. Maybe someone even asked or assumed you are Autistic.
If you’re an adult who identifies with Autistic traits, characteristics, social patterns, and lived experiences, you may have considered self-identifying as Autistic or being assessed for an official Autism diagnosis.
Register on the Eventbrite
There are many considerations that go into deciding to formally or informally identifying as an Autistic adult. In this presentation we will use the Medical and Social Models of disability to explore a variety of factors that may influence your choice.
Participants will:
- Differentiate characteristics of the Medical Model of Disability & Social Model of Disability
- Identify potential risks and benefits of seeking a formal diagnosis of Autism through the medical model
- Determine opportunities for continued identity growth through self-diagnosis
This presentation is for Autistic or possibly-Autistic adults and their supporters (including family members, friends, partners, and professionals) who want to know more about why someone may or may not seek an Autism diagnosis.
This class is virtual and will be recorded, with the link to the recording provided to all registrants. Sliding scale tiers are available, and you may also inquire about sliding scale accommodations at contact@tamarapincus.com. Don’t forget to check out [other relevant classes, link to Collection(s) if applicable] and make sure to join our mailing list for workshop announcements and free sexual and mental wellness resources!
Reese Hebrank, LCSW-C (he/him) is a queer, polyamorous, transgender clinician with The Pincus Center for Inclusive Treatment and Education. He received his MSW from the University of Southern California and previously worked in public mental health care, as well as doing mobile crisis and emergency care. He specializes in trauma recovery, gender identity, neurodiversity, and– as a person with disabilities and the parent of a child with disabilities– the experience of ableism.
The Pincus Center for Inclusive Treatment and Education specializes in working with queer, transgender/nonbinary, kinky, and ethically non-monogamous/polyamorous people. We value sex positivity (including asexuality), body positivity and fat liberation, and racial justice.