RFK Jr. makes autism testing sound terrifying. For me, it was a relief.

Amid recent false statements made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about autism causing family destruction and the abandoned idea of creating an autism registry, deciding to get tested for autism may feel like a challenging choice. I understand these concerns completely. However, avoiding an autism diagnosis comes with its own risks, as it denies the individual valuable understanding and support — both of which I personally gained after being diagnosed with autism last year.

I always felt different from my peers in ways that my diagnoses of ADHD and anxiety couldn’t fully explain. From my childhood through young adulthood, I struggled to feel at ease in social situations, yearning for closeness but finding it hard to open up emotionally like others. I excelled in areas I enjoyed but faced significant challenges in tasks outside my narrow interests. Despite poor grades in certain subjects, I found success as a writer but lacked important life skills. I never felt at home in my own body, experiencing sensory issues and engaging in self-soothing behaviors like knuckle cracking and T. rex arms.

Trying to fit in, I mimicked neurotypical behaviors to mask my differences, but it didn’t alleviate feelings of shame and inadequacy. However, receiving an autism diagnosis changed that. After a thorough evaluation, I was diagnosed at age 30, bringing immense relief and understanding. The diagnosis not only explained why I felt different but also allowed me to seek help comfortably.

While my insecurities didn’t disappear entirely, knowing about my autism boosted my confidence and reduced my anxiety. Revealing my diagnosis to friends and family deepened our relationships, leading to mutual support and understanding. Connecting with other autistic individuals provided a sense of community and self-reflection.

Although I don’t require major accommodations, my diagnosis helped me communicate my struggles better, especially in situations like cooking. A year post-diagnosis, I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my mental and emotional well-being. I believe that a diagnosis can offer crucial support and accommodations to those who need it, whether at school, work, or home.

I appreciate the decision by the National Institutes of Health to scrap plans for an autism registry, as it could have exacerbated stigma and privacy concerns. Autism is not something to hide or fear; rather, it should be understood and embraced.