Have you ever wondered, "Can I be autistic and not know it?" This is something that many of us within the Autistic Community have questioned, especially those who've always felt a bit different but have never received formal identification. If this is a question you're asking yourself, know that you're not alone, and you're in the right place. At "While You Wonder," we affirm the autistic neurotype as simply one type of the brain, neither better nor worse than any other.
The Unidentified Majority
Absolutely, you can be autistic and not know it. In fact, it is very likely that the vast majority of autistic individuals walking around on this planet are unidentified. Many of us autistic adults have thought of ourselves as just 'nerdy,' 'quirky,' or even 'weird,' unaware that our experiences align with those of the Autistic Community. So, what's the point of knowing if you're already an adult? Well, just like self-development can significantly improve one's life, understanding your neurotype can offer insights that can positively transform your life. If you've Googled this question, there's a significant chance you're one of the many non-identified autistic individuals, and we're glad you're here to learn from a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
Challenges in Formal Identification (Diagnosis)
Understanding that you might be autistic often starts without an official diagnosis. Research has shown that many of us in the Autistic Community may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood or may even be misdiagnosed. This can happen due to a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the autistic neurotype and a historical focus on diagnosing males.
Personal Stories and Discoveries
Many of us autistic adults have discovered our autistic identity later in life. The journey to this self-realisation varies greatly among individuals, ranging from a sense of relief to the challenges of navigating societal stigmas. Hearing personal stories from the Autistic Community can highlight the value of embracing one's true self and seeking support from others who share similar experiences.
A significant number of people may not realise they are autistic due to a lack of information about the internalised, nuanced, and masked experience of the autistic neurotype. Various autistic authors and advocates have highlighted their personal journeys, revealing how they were not aware of their autistic identity until much later in life.
Navigating the DSM-5 Criteria
If you suspect you might be autistic, consider reading the DSM-5 criteria through a neuroaffirming lens, as you’ll find in our resources. This approach removes any inherent negativity surrounding autistic traits, acknowledging them as part of human diversity. The criteria explore areas such as communication, non-verbal communication, relationships, stimming and repetition, sameness and routine, interests, and sensory processing. For a detailed understanding, please refer to our neuroaffirming descriptions on the website.
Deepening Your Understanding
As you continue your journey of self-discovery, consider diving deeper into the autistic experience through our website’s informational articles and Guided Self-Identification Webinars.
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Please note, the language used in the search terms above may not be neuroaffirming, but they may be search terms that people use. By listing these here, the hope is that people may end up accessing these pages and learning information about the autistic neurotype through the neuroaffirming lens, rather than the impairment-based information that is so plentifully available.