Dealing with IMPOSTER SYNDROME on Spectrum | Adult Autism Experiences

Hi! I’m Claire, and this is my channel, Woodshed Theory. Here you will find the awkward ramblings of an adult autist. I love being creative and sharing my experiences with you. Subscribe to see more DIYs, Discussions, and Bunnies on your feed!

Imposter Syndrome is something I experience as a late diagnosed autistic adult. Even though I know the diagnosis is a fit for me, I still don't always feel like it can/could be true. Do you ever experience imposter syndrome with your diagnosis? What do you do when you feel this way?

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[buttercxpdraws]

Definitely have felt imposter syndrome but it is particularly bad when I’m around my family because they don’t believe I am autistic. Despite diagnosis by an experienced clinical psychologist, my sister can talk me out of believing I’m autistic in about 10 minutes because of my underlying imposter syndrome. 🙄

[margotgrey]

I’m not autistic, but I have multiple mental illnesses and when I am in a good spot with them I convince myself that I never even had them and I was just being overdramatic and making it up. And then, I gaslight myself into thinking doing certain things that I know will be harmful for my mental health will be fine because I wasn’t actually mentally L in the first place, which leads to me feeling awful again and it’s a vicious cycle.

[faeriesmak]

I often doubt that I am actually autistic even though I know that I am. I am self diagnosed for now but my youngest son was recently diagnosed by two different screening processes. I sort of knew that I was ASD before this but his positive screening was pretty much mine as well as all of the things that stood out in his screenings were also traits that I have as we are so similar. I also felt this way as a clarinet player with a music degree and also as an artist. Imposter syndrome can be pretty brutal.

[michelelovesbooks]

This is so incredibly relatable! I often feel imposter syndrome when I’m having great days or when I’m successful at things that are often a struggle.

[theghcu]

I just got my diagnosis! The psychologist confirmed the ADHD (previously diagnosed, wasn't worried about) and diagnosed autistic. I've been battling the imposter syndrome a whole lot and still am. It doesn't help that there are strong symptom overlaps for me between the two. So things like my sensory sensitivities which usually run at about an 8, then something happens and my stress levels spike and they all jump to 11 without notice and I end up acting a fool and looking like a nutcase, then spend the next three hours ripping myself apart trying to figure out how to stop it in the future and beating myself up.
A lifetime of internalized gaslighting can cause you to doubt everything. So many symptoms of neurodivergencies and psychological conditions are common to have occasionally. It can be very difficult to sit down, center yourself, and remember that it's the constellation of symptoms, the frequency and persistence, and severity that demonstrate the truth. It's the unseen struggle that defines the chaos as being other than typical or situational.

[orionkelly]

Wow, this is a killer video Claire! I can completely relate. Oh and you are too funny and smart! Seriously, you are out of this world.

[passaggioalivello]

It was intense. I also cried during this video, but for a good reason. I felt lighter. You practically described my life. I'm experiencing impostor syndrome right now, during my legal assessment path. It takes a while here and I'm constantly asking if I'm really autistic, or if I'm autistic enough, maybe I'm just a weirdo or something. Thank you for this video, I needed it, I feel less alone.

[unlocking_universal]

Thank you for having the courage to delve so deep into your own experience. As someone who remains self-diagnosed, for the time being, I struggle with this a LOT. For similar reason that you described. Hearing other women speak about it strengthens me. I was recently introduced to monotropism theory, and it has been the most affirming information yet. Hope your week is going well!

[whitneymason]

I only dealt with imposter syndrome when I first started researching autism in adults and at the beginning of my autism assessment. I think having my son on the spectrum with me constantly reminds me I'm autistic so I don't question it really. Great video Claire!

[andrewwitton]

Hi Claire, one of the great things about talking about imposter syndrome is that we can hear what you have to say and agree so completely with it!! Thank you so much for echoing my experience in a way that reduces my similar concerns.

[BRW]

I totally get this, but I'm still struggling to accept that I'm autistic after a previous 54 years of pretending to be normal! I guess I've spent so long trying to pass as 'normal' that now I've been told I don't have to anymore, I feel that in order to be accepted, I have to continue. And if I'm so good at it that no one seems to be able to place me as autistic, I wonder if I actually am or if 'they got it wrong'. I guess I'm still on early part of the journey that you're probably further along. I'm glad that essentially, you're doing well. Good for you 😊

[LunarGlowMedia]

I identified with this strongly. It's amazing that people don't see how messed up it is to tell someone that they can't be autistic because they've found success in some areas of life, or don't seem to be as disabled as they think the person should be. "Autistic people can't"...

Anyway, Subs seem to be picking up, but if you ever feel like its slower than you want, look at the ratio of likes to views. A small following that loves your content is a better base for your channel than going viral IMO.

[yellowstokerr]

I'm 22 years old and I've been recently diagnosed with ASD. For someone that has been masking for her entire life I feel like I'm always pretending and so I thought this was another way of me pretending, I had to certainty be lying about being autistic. I'm so paranoid about this that when the doctor told me the diagnosis I replied "but what if I'm lying to you, maybe I'm pretending all these traits just to get the diagnosis". I'm still learning to deal with this feeling and listening to your experience and sharing information about this topic was really helpful to me. Thank you very much, you are awesome <3

[leighmarsh]

Hello, just diagnosed as autistic last week at 54. I had previously been diagnosed with ADHD at 52. I’ve suffered with imposter syndrome for years so it really was no surprise shortly after my dx I felt this way again. But I quickly shut those thoughts down. This time I’m not an imposter, this time I finally found my home.
Thank you for sharing your truth. I’m very proud of you ❤

[leilap]

Same Claire! I appreciate and agree with all of your points. The only slight difference for me is I knew that knowing would help me. I didn’t know though how much it would make a difference in my life. It is quite remarkable, about a year into my diagnoses, after so many years of struggling. Not that I don’t still have day-to-day struggles, but they are so much more manageable.

[alf]

I think the imposter sydrome comes from knowing there are others who are higher on the spectrum i.e, non verbal, etc. (I know that's what makes me feel guilty sometimes).

[SilverMoonbeam]

This made me cry because it reflects very closely to my journey. I am very very newly dismissed and the improvement to my life makes me more speechless than I normally am lol. My life was becoming so dark and now I feel like I have a chance now ❤

[skdamico]

You were incredibly spot on here. Its like every point you made, I’ve gone through the same feelings and couldn’t put it into words (not great with words). Thank you 🙏 seriously

[theiabodium]

I learned a lot about autism about a week ago, and came to realize I am very sure I am autistic. This realization did so much for my mental health, and i fealt better than I have ever fealt. And now after a week of thinking about it, I didnt even realize I talked myself out of it. To the point where i looked at everything used to see as a sign as just me faking it or something unrelated. This video helped though, thank you

[arnowinnertz]

Hi Claire. 12:17 I know the feeling you have right now... and i think many of us have! ...Sadly so late, but fortunately at all! The Journey we are on from this time on has many dips but also many brightness. We should focus on the brightness...