Late Autism Diagnosis is Important

Lately on my social media I've been talking about the importance of a late diagnosis for autistic adults, along with how challenging it can be to get one. Today I want to give you a little pep talk and let you know that your way of life is PERFECTLY OK and beautiful.

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DISCLAIMER: Taylor Heaton is not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Please note that Taylor can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, nor any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available through her website, YouTube Channel, or social media accounts. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended by Taylor Heaton or Mom on the Spectrum. Please note that Taylor doesn't make any guarantees about the results of the information you may apply from her website, YouTube channel, and/or social media accounts. Taylor shares educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in navigating life as an autistic adult. You nevertheless need to know that your outcome will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond Taylor's knowledge and control. Taylor is an Amazon affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from affiliate links. Taylor is a Flare affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from Flare links.

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You are a beautiful person worthy of love!

#actuallyautistic #momonthespectrum #autisticadult

[steveneardley]

Learning how to work with the way you ARE, rather than the way you are supposed to be is very helpful. So many things make sense now. It's been liberating and transformative.

[angelapence]

Hearing the stories of other (especially late diagnosed females) is so validating. I have been carrying so much shame around with me for my entire life (40 years). Thank you, Taylor, for keeping the conversation going.

[cornishmaid]

I’m 68 and I’ve just embarked on the journey of ASD assessment. I had an initial private consultation and was referred to triage team. But it is too expensive. So, I had a candid chat with my own GP who actually listened and has referred me for an assessment on the NHS, which is free. Only thing is it will take up to two years. But, hay-ho, one day that will be today.
In the meantime, I’m gathering information and the tools to live as if I’ve had the diagnosis already. It’s all going well, so far, and can finally forgive myself. 👍

[kristencowan]

That’s right! It’s helpful to know how to take care of ourselves. I was diagnosed with ADHD recently and I suspect I’m on the spectrum also. And knowing this about myself helps me make room for self compassion.

[eigentheory]

Waiting is why it took me almost 35 years to get a diagnosis. My life was a train wreck as a result and in my life is only now starting to come together. Complete failure of parenting and medical support ANYONE in my life. I self diagnosed last Thursday and goin for official today.

[worryworm]

I'm an AuDHD person. Getting diagnosed at 40 changed my life. I no longer feel guilty about things I "am supposed to do/be". I'm being kinder and more forgiving to myself, and no longer feel guilty about being me. I am different, but so are everyone. I process things in a creative way. I'm pretty proud of who I am, and wouldn't change my brain for anything.

[rkgomes]

I’m 43, and I was diagnosed officially at 42. That single action (the diagnosis) was *so* important and a *complete* game-changer in a good way.

[tabithabasye]

I constantly ask myself if I would be as hard on someone else as I am on myself. It’s perfectly okay to chill.

The struggle for me, personally, is I have obligations & life to attend to. So what my body requires and what I can actually provide it are more often at odds than in sync.

Before my diagnosis I had started carrying ear plugs & sun glasses with me EVERYWHERE. Then I found squishies; those silicone fidget noodles I cut in 2 inch bits & keep in my pocket.

Now I have noise cancelling headphones & have found that laying naked with soft fuzzy blankets, squishy in hand, ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones & an eye mask, plus my foot wiggles for about 30-60 minutes recharges me.

Coping is all about learning skills to function in this noisy, bright, unpredictable world.

“It’s like we burn out from being too productive and then it takes more recovery time. So did we actually save any time?”

Brilliant!

[scrapperbug]

I just completed my diagnostic process and recieved my diagnosis of AuDHD at 37 years old (F). I may have let this suspicion go if it had not been for you, Taylor. Thank you for putting yourself out there, for the real talk, and the hype girl. You are doing such important work!!❤

[writerwithagarden]

Recovery BEFORE burnout!? It's radical. But I like it.

[nancywysemen]

slowing down to pay attention, then going at one's own pace.pretty radical.

[neuroticnation]

Thank you for this video. “Now I know how to take care of myself!” That’s exactly why it’s important! I’ve felt like the worst mother on earth because I was rarely able to go to my kids’ school programs, participate in activities, etc. I’ve spent years in self isolated depression, grieving, raging, in total despair. Heavily criticized for not conforming to others’ expectations (including my ex-husband and his family), in a situation where I couldn’t escape it. No support from anyone. Friendless, my mother also on the spectrum, undiagnosed. If I had known what my issues were, I could have changed that. Been a more whole person. I could have been more forgiving of myself, found my place in the world. Late diagnosis is saving me in so many ways. Instead of fighting myself to become a person I was never meant to be, I can make peace with myself and be a much better me. Your video, especially in your robe and slightly messed hair, has been a salve to my wounds, and a comfort to my soul. 💕💕💕

[beeskneesbooks]

I’ve been researching Autism for about five months now, and just had my assessment last week, and was diagnosed at 50. My life now makes sense! Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for the videos because your channel is the main one I watch, and it’s helped me sort some things out. Gonna go do some self-maintenance now.

[T.T.M.]

I feel very fortunate. I live in the US and got diagnosed through the mental health department of my health care provider. It was free. The man I talked to specializes in Autism and asked me some questions from the DSM 5. I agree it is important no matter your age as I make more sense to myself now and as you said I have more self compassion. And yes, I’m so much better at taking care of myself now!

[johnzimpelman]

I love to hear other people's journeys after learning their assessment. Before my "diagnosis", I struggled for 55 years going from career to career but eventually burning out without any resources for my struggles. Since my diagnosis, I have literally had "peace of mind" having a full understanding about myself. Unfortunately my older sisters and my nieces and nephews moved on as I am estranged. This hurt for sometime but I reached the point in my life where whatever I do is about myself and what is best for me and that is not selfish! I now understand myself clearly, I tend to think in "black and white", and prefer a robust conversation rather than small talk. I have mentioned my diagnosis was very "cathartic" as the "dots connected" and I implemented using perspective when apprisching other people's issues. Music is my stimming as well!

[JadeAislin]

I just finished my assessment. Everyone along the way was sure I'm autistic. But the final doctor said he didn't think I was autistic. He did see some autistic traits and said "I can't 100% say you're not autistic.". So I talked to my psychiatrist about getting a second opinion and she seemed eager to do it. So now I'll be going through the whole process again. She did mention that this other place does a more thorough evaluation, so now I'm just waiting for the referral to be assessed again.

[CinkSVideo]

I have a three day company meeting this week. So…3 days of small talk…day and night…breakfast lunch and dinner. I’ve been stressed about it for the last month precisely because I know I will use up my spoons in the first hour on the first day.

My diagnosis helps me understand why I react this way. It lets me know that it’s not only okay to disengage for several days when I return but that it is important.

[Paula_Limberg]

Totally agree about the quiet quitting and others not being up to our standards! I like to think of us as the canary in the coal mine. We are sensitive enough to pick up on stuff before it becomes an issue for most others. But in the end, they will see that we were right all along. This has been happening at work for me in the last few months.

[annemariemavie]

This is exactly how I feel about being diagnosed at 50 yrs old. I finally..FINALLY..know how to take care of myself. 🙌

[kjd]

Excellent video! I'm really hoping to get an official diagnosis, but I'm terrified of getting someone who has no clue and can't properly diagnose. I've been to therapists in the past for other reasons like postpartum depression, etc., and they've been *hideous*. One was even outright abusive, right in front of my husband, no less! So even trying to get a diagnosis is just beyond terrifying.

Slowing down is an excellent reminder. I recently found a cross stitch project I wanted to do -- haven't done cross stitch since I was like 8 years old (I'm 59 now). I was surprised at how s - l - o - w you have to go; it cannot be rushed. It really helps give me a different perspective and reminds me to pause and take a breath. (Pretty sure I have ADHD as well.)

Thank you for another great video, Taylor! 😃