Echoing the results of my 2018 dissertation, an interesting recent study found that people who learned they were autistic at a younger age felt more positive about their lives (i.e., had better quality of life) than those who learned at an older age. However, this study has some limitations: (a) the study only involved a fairly small group of university students, (b) whether ‘learning one is autistic’ referred to learning about one’s diagnosis or receiving one’s diagnosis was unclear, (c) the influence of other factors on the link between age of learning one is autistic and quality of life was not considered, and (d) the assessment of different areas of quality of life was limited. Addressing these limitations, we re-examined whether the age at which one learns they are autistic relates to quality of life in adulthood. Contrary to the previous study, the researchers found the age at which one learns about their autism does not have a significantly independent impact on their quality of life as an adult. Rather, other factors may have a greater impact. In the end, getting a timely diagnosis remains crucial for autistic people and their families to access appropriate support.
I’m hearing that many adults discover they are autistic when they have a child who is diagnosed and they are learning how to accommodate the child’s needs and take a self-assessment. Many adults don’t go to a health care provider to get an “official” diagnosis. What are your thoughts about that?
This is quite common. Given the time and effort and stress necessary to get a diagnosis, and depending on where one is in the world, it may not be worth it to get the diagnosis if one is already established. Cost vs benefit doesn't often make sense.
I’m hearing that many adults discover they are autistic when they have a child who is diagnosed and they are learning how to accommodate the child’s needs and take a self-assessment. Many adults don’t go to a health care provider to get an “official” diagnosis. What are your thoughts about that?
This is quite common. Given the time and effort and stress necessary to get a diagnosis, and depending on where one is in the world, it may not be worth it to get the diagnosis if one is already established. Cost vs benefit doesn't often make sense.