Tell that to the generation of autistics roaming America that were never properly diagnosed in their youth. High intelligence, often even high paying jobs, but all the other 'success' metrics will probably end up looking very wavy.

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annzabelle 2 days ago | parent [-]

I'd argue that mildly autistic people had much better outcomes decades ago before we started thinking it was something to diagnose. My grandfather was probably autistic, but there was no internet to sink into so he had to interact with people and build some basic social skills. Out of high school he joined the Navy as a radar technician and lived in a structured environment that taught a lot of life skills. Then he went to college for engineering and was set up on dates with my grandmother (as a bit of a matchmaking thing). Suburban house, 4 children, married for decades, church. Generally a very normal and happy life, even if he was considered eccentric and sensitive to noises. I don't think anybody ever thought to diagnose him with it.

My brother is mildly autistic, too, but he has always had the option to skip out of socialization in favor of the computer, and we've lost the societal structure that helped my grandfather thrive.

I don't think it's diagnosis that helps people.

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Timon3 a day ago | parent | next [-]

I strongly disagree that getting diagnosed causes worse outcomes in such cases.

I'm not sure what the link is between your brother getting diagnosed, and him having the option to skip out on socializing. Undiagnosed people frequently make the same choice under worse circumstances, since it's hard to name why they want to choose this escape. I wouldn't be surprised if the undiagnosed made this choice more often, as they struggle in ways most people around them don't seem to, which naturally leads to the struggling seeking community in other places (= digital ones).

It may well be that a life journey like your grandfather's was more likely for mildly autistic people 50 years ago (though I'd urge you not to forget that many in that situation just break and die early), but the world has fundamentally shifted since then. IMO not getting diagnosed wouldn't improve things, people would largely live the same, but with much greater self-doubt, anger and broken relationships.

	▲	fragmede 9 hours ago \| parent [-]
		it depends what you do with the diagnosis. Once you have that label, does it make it an excuse or an explanation for the behavior. Do you go "I'm autistic so I get a pass" or is it "I know I'm autistic so I have to work harder just to keep up with everyone."

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disgruntledphd2 a day ago | parent | prev [-]

> I don't think it's diagnosis that helps people.

It might be the societal structure is good for everyone, regardless of their diagnoses, or lack thereof.