A Young Adult Woman's Personal Journey with Getting Diagnosed With Autism

Imagine navigating life with a sense that something’s different, but never quite knowing why.
​You’ve adapted, you’ve coped, but deep down, you’ve always felt like an outsider looking in.
Now, after years of questions and self-discovery, you finally have an answer: Autism.

My Late Autism Diagnosis and What It Meant

I was 21 years old when I was diagnosed with autism. The emotions washed over me like a wave in the ocean. At first, I felt grateful and happy, but soon, negative thoughts started to creep in.

I found myself thinking:
🤔 That’s why I was left out so often.
🤔 That’s why I was so sensitive and cried at almost every inconvenience.
🤔 That’s why I dreaded and hated change so much.

Most people receive their diagnosis earlier in life. Looking back, I did show traits of autism as a child, but I was very good at masking—essentially mimicking and acting like the people around me. Because of this, my parents didn’t think much of it. They assumed I was just mature for my age and highly sensitive, which they believed was a good thing, right?

​By the time I was 12, I started realizing just how sensitive I was. I was incredibly hard on myself for it. I told myself, "Keep your emotions down.
​Do not express thoughts, feelings, or emotions."
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The Courage to Embrace My Autism Diagnosis

At first, I didn’t want to believe I had autism. The thought lingered in my mind occasionally, but I didn’t fully explore it until I was around 18 or 19.
Then, when I was 20, my mom asked me, "Would you be interested in getting a diagnosis?" To my surprise - even now - I responded with "yes."

​At the time, I was seeking answers and curious about what might come out of it. It was nerve-wracking, but my mom, who has been one of my strongest supporters, found a wonderful psychologist for me. Over several weeks, we worked together, and finally, she came to a conclusion: I was autistic.

When I heard those words, a shock went through my whole body. I started to cry - not out of sadness, but because it was overwhelming to finally have an answer. This was my new reality, and it raised so many questions: Do I allow myself to be my authentic self after years of masking? Who do I tell? How will this change my life?
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Even now, I’m still answering those questions. I’m still working on embracing my autism and being my true self. But now, I no longer see my autism as a struggle - I see it as a superpower. It’s an amazing quality that makes me the unique and incredible person I am.

Finding Self and Community in Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can be both validating and transformative. It’s not just an explanation for the past, but a guide for the future. Remember, it’s never too late to understand yourself better and embrace your true identity. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or continuing along it, know that you’re not alone—there’s a community out there ready to support you and walk alongside you.

Author - Anonymous Calgarian