What an Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood May Mean for You.
21st May 2019
Autism Spectrum Conditions are gaining far more exposure in popular news media in recent times than ever before. There are many brilliant people speaking out about their experiences of being an adult on the autistic spectrum, and more employers and policy makers are beginning to understand the importance of recognising the unique abilities and difficulties many autistic adults experience.
With this increased exposure has (thankfully!) come increased awareness and understanding of autism in the general population. Many people who had never heard of, or thought about autism may find themselves exposed to information surrounding it very regularly. Some adults reading about autism may find themselves identifying very strongly with the experiences and difficulties that adults with autism describe, and wondering whether an autism diagnosis may apply to them.
Whether this kind of story applies, or someone has been thinking about exploring an autism assessment for a while, they may be wondering what a diagnosis in adulthood would mean for them.
For some adults, even if they identify strongly with the descriptions of autism they come across, the idea of seeking an autism diagnosis may seem inconsequential. Many have ‘made it’ through their child and some adult years without a diagnosis, have happy relationships and good jobs and employment prospects, and thus they may wonder what an autism diagnosis could possibly change for them. This is a very valid feeling and for some, exploring an autism diagnosis may not be the best thing for them.
However, having an autism diagnosis in adulthood can have huge impacts on some individual’s lives. An article recently published by nextavenue.org, titled “How an autism diagnosis as an adult can change everything” by Patricia Corrigan, explores this topic and what an autism diagnosis meant to various people who were diagnosed in mid to late adulthood.
The article describes how for Barbara Moran, a graphic artist diagnosed in her late 40s, an autism diagnosis “felt like being forgiven”. Barbara for a long time felt that the difficulties she was experiencing were “character faults”, and learning that in fact they were “legitimate complaints” brought a sense of understanding and relief.
This can be the case for many adults diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions; many felt that they never fit in, and felt weird or different growing up and in their adult life. Receiving a diagnosis of autism for some helps to explain and validate many of these feelings, and can help to piece together some of the things that never made sense to them before. This is also reflected in the article’s recount of the experience of Peter Street, a man diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions in his late 60s. He explains being diagnosed as an “enormous relief” and that it made his life “suddenly make sense.”
Whilst this sense of relief is a very common account of the feelings after an autism diagnosis, every individual will of course have unique thoughts and reactions to being diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition. It may raise some confusion and questions about what it means for their life going forward. This is why it is so important that post-diagnostic support is available to help individuals and their families understand autism and explore solutions and difficulties around their diagnosis.
Here at Psychology Chartered, we are passionate about providing diagnostic assessments and post-diagnostic support to adults seeking an autism diagnostic assessment, or who have received one elsewhere and are wondering what it means for them. To find out more about how we can help, please visit the autism service section of our website https://psychologychartered.co.uk/services/adult-autism-services/, email me at lily@psychologychartered.co.uk, or call us on 02392377399.
If you wish to read the full article spoken about above, please find it here: https://www.nextavenue.org/autism-diagnosis-adult/