Why I Chose Psychology by Susannah

Why I Chose Psychology by Susannah - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

I was prompted with endless questionnaires, activities, and tests that were all aimed towards children. Some activities consisted of playing with blocks, listing as many fruits as I could think of in one minute, and playing connect the dots. This long process was my appointment to get an autism diagnosis. I got this diagnosis when I was 17, but the process was clearly not made for anyone over the age of 12.
I wanted to get this diagnosis because, for my whole life, I often felt out of place around others. I couldn’t put my finger on why until the beginning of my junior year: I started thinking that I may have autism. I put intensive research into all things autism. I scoured journal articles and online forums about autism, watched videos from autistic individuals, read the autism section in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), followed clinical psychologists who specialize in autism on social media platforms, and talked with some of my friends who have autism. I even got a physical copy of the DSM Fifth Edition, which I spent hours looking through. I took many online tests for autism, like the Autism Quotient (AQ), Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), and Adult Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A). I specifically looked for questionnaires widely trusted by clinical psychologists in order to get a better analysis of my identity.
After getting high scores on those questionnaires and putting a lot of thought into my research, I turned to my mom to discuss getting an official autism diagnosis. It took a while for me to persuade her to get this scheduled, but eventually, my efforts were successful.
However, I was disappointed with how exhausting and outdated the diagnosis process felt. I hoped there would be a better process for someone my age pursuing this diagnosis. With a degree in psychology, I hope to pave the way for resources for teenagers and adults who are interested in getting an autism diagnosis or in need of any type of support for managing their day-to-day lives as autistic individuals. I am determined to commit my life’s work to helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. Autism can be a very difficult disability to live with, and it is not always detected in childhood. Many people, like me, don’t even realize they are autistic until later in life. I hope to be part of the change in breaking down stereotypes about autism while helping autistic individuals thrive.
Not only am I interested in autism, but I am also fascinated by how the human brain works. I strongly believe that there is always something new to learn when it comes to psychology. I am currently taking AP Psychology, and it is one of my favorite and most interesting classes.