Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that is typically diagnosed during childhood. It often affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. The symptoms of autism can vary widely from person to person and generally fall into two main categories: social communication challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Symptoms can vary widely in presentation and severity with each individual having their own unique combination of symptoms and strengths.

Late-diagnosis Autism

While autism is often identified at earlier ages, there is an increasing number of people diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood. This has some to do with symptom severity, but that isn’t the only reason. Many autistic people with milder symptoms go unrecognized. Girls and women in particular are more often overlooked as their symptoms can go under-reported or misdiagnosed. In part, this can be attributed to what is referred to as ‘masking’ or ‘camouflaging.’  

Masking refers to the use of coping mechanisms meant to hide autistic traits, thereby making it harder to recognize symptoms. A study from the Clinical Psychology Review found that approximately 90% of autistic people engage in masking their symptoms on a daily basis (Cassidy et al, 2018). In light of this, efforts are made to encourage autistic individuals to adjust the way they express and work toward safely engaging with their environment in more authentic ways.

Late-term autism diagnoses can bring with them many questions and concerns. However, it can also lead to a sense of relief and understanding for both the individual and their family.

Many individuals may have struggled throughout childhood and adolescence without a clear explanation for their challenges with social interaction, communication, or sensory processing. However, receiving a diagnosis of autism in young adulthood can provide validation for these experiences. Getting an accurate diagnosis also opens up opportunities for tailored support and interventions that can significantly improve a client’s quality of life, including access to specialized therapies, educational accommodations, and community resources. Additionally, diagnosis assists in the promotion of self-awareness and self-advocacy skills, empowering individuals to better understand their strengths and challenges and to navigate the world with greater confidence and resilience.

Below are additional considerations for young adults with autism.