alt Hacker News> Social communication disorder is rarely diagnosed in favor of autism primarily because autism provides access to critical services, insurance coverage, educational support, and legal protections that social communication disorder does not reliably offer
That feels important
Yes. When I first read about autism it really felt like me, but overstated. Then, years later, I ran into Asperger's--score way out there on the screening test and it very much feels like me. Still later, found the actual diagnostic criteria--comes down to at least 2 of 4--and I clearly have 1 yes, 2 no, and one hint of a yes that's impossible to confirm without a time machine. DSM V comes along, I do not feel the autism diagnosis fits me, but social communication disorder again comes down to 2 of 4, 1 yes, 2 no, 1 maybe that again can never be resolved. And it describes me to a T. But what benefit would there be to a diagnosis? As someone well into adulthood before I ever heard of any of this it's not going to change anything.