I Think I Might Be Autistic... Now What?!

After living a pretty "normal" life, I was diagnosed with autism at 31 years of age. Pursuing the diagnosis was a big decision that came with many questions. I'm here to answer those questions for you and explore the overall challenges and benefits of the diagnostic process.

My brain does better off of social media, so you won't find me on Facebook or Instagram, but I'd love to have a convo in the comments. Let me know if you've started the diagnostic process and how it's going, or what's holding you back. I'm here to offer support!

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***EDIT: Since posting this video, I have learned more about the horrific origins of the term "aspergers" and have since stopped using this term as well as "aspie" which is a derivation of the word, and renamed my channel. In future videos I will make sure to address this issue when referencing any materials that use this term. If you are interested in learning more about the origins of this term, please be warned that you will be reading very upsetting information regarding TRIGGER WARNING child violence. I apologize for any upset or harm I may have caused by using these terms without knowing their origins.

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[whitneymason]

My son was diagnosed at 2 and he's now 4. I went onto YouTube for support and advice and I kept getting suggested videos on autism in adult and in females. I clicked and almost had a panic attack once I realized I'm on the spectrum too. I just thought I was overly sensitive, anxious, individual who suffered from depression. Throughout my life most doctors thought my behavior came from my childhood trauma and I began to consider myself a bit of a basket case. I actually just got my diagnosis at age 30 this month. Looking back on life through a different lens is interesting and a little painful at times. I'm still processing how I feel about it, but I'm glad to know I'm not alone. Thanks for sharing this video!

[BladeX]

I am currently self-diagnosed at 39. I haven't gotten official because of the money and much gaslighting and uneducated professionals to/and about adult women. Also, I wouldn't know what to know what to do with an official diagnosis, there is not adult support for autism. The best thing for me I think is to educate my self and start to unpack and understand myself and how I think and act, and listen to others and how they handle, adapt, accommodate, and more for various situations.

[mommaA]

I got diagnosed a month ago at 40. I am so glad I did. It took 2 years for me to get my appointment. I realized I was autistic after my daughter was diagnosed. Growing up I thought there was something wrong with me. Now i have something to explain it. I’m not broken. I also understand my daughter. We are so much alike. 😊.

[MyVintageMoon]

I recently was diagnosed at 57. It has been wonderful to finally understand the questions of why I am the way I am.

[TwinklingofaneyeLoveStoryofGod]

I’ve been relating to you and Autism. I now understand everything that I struggled as a child and adult. Does anyone else who is undiagnosed feel like they have been overcompensating to try and be what is wanted in society and that leaves you drained and not wanting to do anything for awhile. This has been my life for as long as I can remember. It’s like a breath of fresh air to now know the “WHYs” I have struggled for so long. Thank again for sharing your truth
Shalom

[alisonisodd]

My life is turning upside down without a diagnosis, so that’s what’s really making me want something official so I can finally properly find a way to cope.

[shadowfox]

I debated going for a diagnosis, but for me in my situation, I just couldn't justify it to myself. The wait list where I live is two years if I'm lucky, and to find a private practitioner I would have to drive almost five hours one way. Also, everything I would want for myself in accommodations are things I already do for myself.

So for now at least, I am content just in knowing based on my experiences researching autism and interacting with autistic people online. I may change my mind in the future

Thank you for making content like this, though. I grew up feeling quite alone in this world, and there are not words to express how enlightening it has been to find out that there are other people like me out there

[scandelicious]

I wasn’t even half way through the Aspie Quiz before I started to realize a lot of these traits are familiar. I’m turning 49 tomorrow and I keep fluctuating between relief and mourning for all of the unnecessary suffering. The result was 100% likely I am on the spectrum. My graph was very lopsided. I was surprised and, naturally, started to cry. I can best describe it as the moment I understood what a person feels when a cochlear implant is turned on for the first time. I’m overwhelmed, relieved, and things are finally clear. Mostly I feel relief, but I definitely want to get a professional diagnosis.

[KaitlinChristel]

I just got diagnosed with ASD at 32. I feel so free and more like myself. I’m so happy I did this. Thanks for your beautiful message and video, this is such a positive video and I hope others discover their true selves too ☺️

[mynamenotgiven]

Recently took the Autism Quotient Test: scored 46 out of 50. Significant traits for Autism.

Explains so much that's occurred in my life and why I struggle so much to do "simple, " "normal, " "average" everyday things.

[miriamadahan]

I love your authenticity and how you make it safe to be real. I'm not autistic. I'm an 80-year old HSP - Highly Sensitive Person, diagnosed with anxiety disorders, depression and bi-polar. Yet SO MUCH OF WHAT YOU DESCRIBE IS TOTALLY applicable - like difficulties with socializing, the need for routines and predictability to help us feel SAFE, unusual sensitivity to noise/ food and fabrics! I wish there were an "acceptable" diagnoses like Aspie or Autistic that would help other HSPs develop self-compassion. Too many HSPs are put on psych meds which destroy their ability to function, to feel pleasure and to build self-respect. I teach people how to MANAGE their emotions instead of trying to suppress them, as many therapists do.

[anyascelticcreations]

I haven't gotten an autism diagnosis but I really need to.
What's holding me back:

Feeling overwhelmed/executive function overload

Not knowing a provider

Cost. Though, shouldn't health insurance pay for that?

Yeah. I guess that's it.

[prprprince]

I'm pretty sure I'm on the spectrum but haven't got an official diagnosis yet still working on it. I will definitely be looking at adding ASD in adults to my focus as a future psychologist for sure.

[MintyCow]

Ive taken other tests like the aspie quiz as well, I scored 172/200 for the aspie quiz.

[BriBooth]

I was diagnosed at 33. For me it was definitely worth it. I gained a lot of clarity about myself. I decided to start a channel as well 😊 I love supporting other neuro divergent creators! I subscribed.

[forge]

I was diagnosed last week at 35. Wish I would have know earlier. This changed everything in a good way.
$1500 bucks out of pocket and it took me months to actually find someone. Best decision of my life though. Oh course $1500 is a lot, but having the protection of the American Disability Act is worth its weight in gold.

[alician.]

According to the Aspie Quiz I’m somewhere on the spectrum so I feel like an official diagnosis would be helpful for me I’ve been suspecting that I might have either ADHD, or be somewhere on the spectrum. Thank you for the information!

[imogenoliver]

I just took the aspie quiz and thankfully it agrees with my self diagnosis of being autistic ☺️.

[ModelkitStuff]

loved this video I have just been referred for an autism diagnosis at 52! and knowing that I probably am makes my life so far make so much more sense

[danieladam]

I really appreciate your perspective here! Thank you for sharing. I guess I'd like to just mention getting a formal diagnosis for those that have trauma or complex trauma can take a much longer time than without. Unfortunately