What’s it Like to be Diagnosed With Autism as an Adult? New Research Takes a Closer Look

While autism research continues to evolve, access to assessments may pose a barrier to diagnosis, and cause many autistic individuals to be overlooked in childhood. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that the age of diagnosis was related to decreased quality of life and increased levels of autistic traits in adults.

Getting diagnosed as an adult is certainly better than receiving no diagnosis whatsoever, but individuals who are diagnosed sooner stand a better chance of implementing lasting strategies in order to lead fulfilling lives as autistic people. Because many autistic individuals report anxiety, the timely diagnosis of autism may assist with the management of associated mental health challenges, as well as reducing the urge to mask autistic symptoms.

Continue reading on Verywell Mind. Written by Krystal Jagoo.