You’ve gained some awareness where you are suspecting that you may be autistic. It may have started when a loved one suggested it, or the therapist you were seeing had mentioned it. You may have also come to this realization through your child’s diagnosis are you see similarities between their autistic traits and yours.
Maybe you notice your friends are neurodivergent and you feel like a kindred spirit. You start to wonder if you’re autistic, too. You may have even come to this realization through your own research, or even through media portrayals of Autism. Now that you have some awareness, what do you do? What do you need to know?
Follow Your Curiosity and Research Further
You’re aware that you have certain traits that may be related to Autism. One of the best things to do next is to follow your curiosity and research further. This may look like reading Autism blogs, books, or even research on Autism. It can even be listening to podcasts about Autism or neurodiversity to learn more.
Another avenue of gaining information is seeking professional advice from a therapist, an Autism specialist, or even a neurodivergent coach. They will be able to support you to explore your Autistic identity further. They can also help to support you throughout your journey and validate that what you’re going through is hard but they are here to help.
Connect with an Autism Community
Perhaps, you seek out an Autism community where you can connect with other autistic people and learn how they have navigated the journey. There are many great online communities such as Facebook Groups, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets. One that individuals who identify as autistic or professionals who work with people who are autistic, or people who have loved ones who are autistic utilize.
These communities can help to inform you about best practices and provide resources to gain a better understanding of Autism. Being part of an Autism community can also provide a safe space for self-expression and exploration. They can help you have that “Aha!” moment where you resonate with what you’ve heard and you feel like someone gets it. You know that there are others like you out there who understand.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Getting a Formal Diagnosis
You might have some curiosity about getting a formal diagnosis. After your research, you know there are pros and cons to getting a diagnosis. It can be helpful for many reasons, like accessing services or supports, navigating relationships with loved ones, or just having that sense of clarity and understanding.
On the other hand, there is also the cost of assessment, accessibility to assessment centers, and the time it takes to do assessments. Often, there are also extensive waiting lists for assessments. These are all practical considerations that you need to take into consideration when thinking about getting a formal diagnosis.
There are also Emotional Considerations, These Can Be a Really Big Key Factor That Will Color or Shape The Trajectory of Your Journey.
If there is a lot of shame or misinformation around Autism in your community, yourself, or others around you then this can impact how you feel about yourself and the diagnosis. If there is a lot of shame, there is going to be inner turmoil due to the internal struggle of the negative stereotype associated with the diagnosis. Due to this, you may feel as if you don’t want to align yourself with your diagnosis. That people in your family and community won’t understand and you don’t want to experience negative impacts such as exclusion, negative self-worth, and lack of a sense of belonging.
This can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and more. But it also keeps you stuck in this cycle of shame. One where there is a lot of self-loathing and criticism (inner criticism and external from others in your life). You can get stuck there. Especially, if there is a negative reaction when you talk to loved ones about your diagnosis. If they react negatively, say that you shouldn’t talk about it, shut down the conversation, etc. This can lead the individual to shut down their curiosity and go into masking mode.
There is an Upside to Getting a Diagnosis
Getting a formal diagnosis can come with emotional upsides such as gaining a lot of validation that can come out of it. You can gain relief, clarity, and affirmation that you are not alone. That there are other people that understand you and your experience for the first time. Not everyone feels this right away. Even the people who experience the shame of a diagnosis can get to a point where they feel validation, acceptance, and affirmation. It just will take more time and effort to get there and it can be hard, but it is possible.
Autistic people who experience shame can experience burnout and end up extensively masking but realizing it’s not the most sustainable pattern. It’s also not good for your mental health and well-being. It can work for a time but then eventually you’ll crash and be back to square one where it will work again until it doesn’t. You will be stuck in this cycle until you realize that you can get to the other side, it just might be an uphill battle. But once you’re there, you can spend years on the other side enjoying who you are and celebrating your differences.
More Than Likely, You Will Have a Greater Sense of Self-Worth
You’ll also be able to access more self-compassion, grace, and acceptance which can help you move through challenges in life where shame can get you stuck. Where if you are experiencing shame, you can move forward in your life but be emotionally stuck as you are rejecting who you are. Therapy and finding a neurodiverse community can be key to moving through this process.
These key elements can help you get to a point where you are accepting of your diagnosis, of yourself, self-appreciating, and finding a community that will accept you.
To Get a Formal Diagnosis or Not
Another pro or upside, that you might not think about with having a formal diagnosis is that you might be able to receive workplace accommodations. However, not all workplaces and job positions offer accommodations. This can lead some autistic people to fear that they will not receive any accommodations but that any disclosure of their diagnosis will lead to no promotions or that their colleagues may view them differently and as less capable.
There might even be a fear that you will be treated differently if your colleagues find out. Those feelings are valid and this is why it can help inform your decision of getting a formal diagnosis or not.
At the end of the day, it is a personal decision and there is no wrong answer. If you choose to not get a formal diagnosis, that’s okay too! It can take a lot of resources that some people might not have access to. Or, you’re happy with just having a self-diagnosis AG that works for you as well. All options are valid! Also, the path to a formal diagnosis may not make sense for your life as it is right now. It is important to take into consideration all of the elements involved in making this decision and that you have support throughout the process.
Navigate A Late in Life Autism Diagnosis with Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapists in Silicon Valley
You don’t have the support you need inside the workplace, but having support outside of the workplace can make a difference. Working with a neurodivergent coach can provide you with the support and strategies to help you not only manage your imposter syndrome but navigate the workplace. You deserve to be seen and heard, and an outside coach can help you do that. At Open Doors Therapy, we offer a range of services that are tailored to the individual needs of neurodiverse individuals. If you’re interested in learning more about our team, our services, and which may be right for you, you can follow these steps to gain more information:
- Reach out to our autism therapy practice and schedule a free phone consultation.
- Learn more about our services, our team, and which may be best for you or your child
- Begin navigating your diagnosis in a way that feels safe and affirming.
Other Services Offered with Open Doors Therapy
Our team understands that you may need additional support when navigating your diagnosis, talking with loved ones, or even managing work stressors. That’s why we also offer other services to help you through the process of feeling understood and validated. This is why our California-based practice is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. We also offer individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. In addition, we also offer social skills groups. These include college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, women who identify as neurodiverse, a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Please feel free to visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!
About Tasha Oswald Ph.D. and Her Team
Introducing Dr. Tasha Oswald, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist (#30423) and the Founder and Director of Open Doors Therapy and Neurodiversity School. With extensive experience in developmental and clinical psychology, as well as cognitive neuroscience, Dr. Oswald specializes in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and individuals who receive diagnoses later in life. Her team at Open Doors Therapy is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy, guiding neurodiverse individuals through the process of navigating later-in-life diagnoses with understanding and empowerment.
Dr. Oswald’s expertise lies in creating a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of those undergoing the journey of receiving an autism diagnosis as adults. At Open Doors Therapy, she and her team work collaboratively to ensure individuals receiving later-in-life diagnoses are equipped with the necessary resources and support to embrace their neurodiversity fully. Their commitment to empowering neurodiverse individuals shines through as they navigate the complexities of the diagnosis process, helping individuals achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.
