Are you actually Autistic? Let’s dive into this series on the pathways to an adult Autism realization.
Dark history, bad science, and social condemnation litters the state of Autism research, diagnosis (Dx), and care. Our modern medical understanding around Autism has improved, yes. It is not, however, where it needs to be. Frankly, I feel we still have a long way to go.
Finding reliable sources of modern, accurate information will help you better explore your possible Autism realization. Most late realized adult Autistics tend to dive deep into the topic. Many spend hours in research on the journey to realizing, or admitting, that they might indeed be Autistic. You are not alone to wonder if you are even actually Autistic at all.
To help you sort it out, here are some of the more commonly known pathways to an adult Autism realization.
Pathways to a Realization
Adult DX Via a Formal Medical Provider
An Autistic DX rarely comes “out of the blue”, like going in for a toothache and finding out you have a brain tumor. Most patients suspect something is up before seeking a formal DX. Many have been investigating their condition for decades, and attend their appointment with charts, research, DIY online screening results, family history, and more. You are not “weird” if you do this – it is very Autistic to behave this way.
Post diagnosis, though, the implications of this condition, and how to manage it, are not widely understood. The Autism field is a specialty with legacy providers who still believe that only rich white boys can be Autistic. Because of this, even with a formal DX, newly DXd adult Autistics do not necessarily get reliable information. Finding competent, available, and appropriate care recommendations, or access to helpful life management resources, can be daunting.
Understand, going into this, that formally DXd adult Autistics experience a similar healing journey as their late realized, self-diagnosed Autistics counterparts. Confirmation via formal DX doesn’t typically, nor immediately, lead to comfort, integration, and reconciliation. There is still significant work that will need to be done after a formal medical Autism DX to get to a point of thriving.
You are Not Alone
However, hearing it from a medical doctor does carry more weight for certain folks than self-diagnosis does. If that is you, please feel free to give yourself permission to pursue a formal DX.
Formal DX can bring a distinct wave of confirmation and validation, which can be quite healing. Many of us have internalized our Autistic traits as character flaws, and this has been reinforced by caregivers, family, and teachers along the way. Understanding our behaviors are rooted in a neurological developmental condition we were born with, instead of any failings as human beings, can bring great relief.
Sweet Relief
Given a properly trained medical provider, you may also find additional relief from appropriate care measures with a formal medical DX. Examples of this can include better pharmaceutical support for co-occurring conditions, as well as suitable Autism-focused counseling and therapy. There is no medicine at this time (2023) for directly treating or curing Autism.
Please note: Adult Autistics might be refused a formal DX as being unneeded at such a late stage of life. This is often due to social stigma concerns. Some doctors reason that if we made it this far, we can’t be that bad. They may actively resist including it in your official medical record.
Too often, late DXd adult Autistics do not look “Autistic enough” to get formally DXd. This is often due to a lifetime of masking, one of te coping mechanisms we Autistics use to survive as undiagnosed people. Remember to drop your masking when you go in for testing.
ADHD is also frequently co-occurring with Autism, with similar statistics of frequency. If a child is DXd with either Autism or ADHD, it is worth investigating if you, as a parent, also are affected.
Learn about my own adult realization story here.