Autism has become a well-known diagnosis in recent years. Though some people seem to be against this sort of labelling, and the general increase in different label of mental conditions, a study out of the University of Portsmouth shows why this is actually a good thing.
What they found is that those who learned they were autistic when they were younger felt happier about their lives. This is probably due to many reasons – generally it is empowering because it clarifies how one is feeling and engages with the world. This enables them to find better ways to deal with this and also explain this to themselves and others. Not only that, but other resources may be available or the understanding of others such as teachers or peers at school.
However, though it is better to be diagnosed, and informed earlier, they also found that receiving a diagnosis in adulthood was also empowering and accompanied by a sense of relief. The takeaway is that getting a diagnosis is important and being informed of this, in a suitable way, of course, is also important.
Of note is that women, who are less often diagnosed, or minority groups, or non-binary individuals, respond more positively to the diagnosis. It also shows that getting a diagnosis (and support) is important to increase life outcomes for those with autism.
Reference:
Tomisin Oredipe, Bella Kofner, Ariana Riccio, Eilidh Cage, Jonathan Vincent, Steven K Kapp, Patrick Dwyer, Kristen Gillespie-Lynch.
Does learning you are autistic at a younger age lead to better adult outcomes? A participatory exploration of the perspectives of autistic university students.
Autism, 2022; 136236132210867
DOI: 10.1177/13623613221086700
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