"Autistic, Who, Me?": The Plot Twist of a Lifetime
Talk Nerdy To Me®’s @staffwriter
Finding out you’re autistic later in life can feel like a blend of YES! THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR … or … FINALLY…. MY LIFE CAN BEGIN … or a side of pure unbridled anger. (And don’t worry they oscillate - it’s not a singular path.)
If you’ve just been diagnosed, congratulations!!
You may be feeling all sorts of things -relief there’s a name for your experiences, maybe a bit of confusion, hopefully a lot of “this explains SO much.”
It’s a big deal discovering this is who you are, especially as an adult. All the challenges and traumas associated with not picking up social cues, and missing blatant red flags. Think of it as finally getting the user manual to life others seem to magically already know.
It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about uncovering the real you, with all your quirks that you’ve always had but never fully understood.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Alright, let's unpack this autism thing a bit. Think of autism as your personal lens on the world—it colors how you see and interact with everything around you. And for us ladies, it's like we're operating on a different frequency sometimes. Ever feel like you're just mimicking what others expect, or find yourself super tuned into details no one else notices? That's your autism showing its colors.
Here are the facts, those “quirky” yet spot on observations you have? They’re not just “random” traits - they’re part of your unique makeup that falls on the autism spectrum. It gives you a unique edge, and if life is about perspective, yours is never dull.
The ASD spectrum is vast and varied. Some people thrive on routines and predictability, while others crave that “living in the moment” mantra. Maybe you find peace in specific hobbies, or are an animal whisperer. It’s your journey and spectrum and there’s no wrong way to go about it.
Speaking of going your own way, life is better with a squad. There's a whole community out there—both online and offline—filled with folks who just get it. It's like stumbling into a conversation where you don't have to explain why you need a minute to recharge or why certain phrases don't click. It's a place of understanding and acceptance.
Navigating your autism is more of a marathon than a sprint. It's okay to take it slow, to explore and question every part of this journey. Your feelings about this discovery might be all over the map, and that's perfectly fine. This process is all about embracing the full, authentic version of yourself.
Embracing Your Identity
Alright, let's dive into making this autism piece fit snugly into the awesome puzzle that is you. It's like suddenly finding the missing piece under the couch cushion—it just clicks, and everything makes more sense.
Your autism? It's not the whole you, but it's a pretty cool part of your mix. It's like your personal flavor in the big ice cream sundae of life. You've got this knack for diving deep into stuff you love, for spotting things others miss, and for feeling the world in high-def. Those aren't just random things; they're like your own set of superpowers.
Feeling a little overwhelmed at first is totally “normal.” I strongly dislike that word since no one is normal. It’s okay to one day feel like you’re fist pumping listening to your feel good playlist feeling like you’ve cracked a secret code in life and then the next, it might feel a bit overwhelming. It takes time to fully unmask and embrace who truly are. The key? Take it easy on yourself and embrace your own rhythm.
So, as we keep rolling, remember this: Embracing your autistic side is about celebrating everything that makes you, well, you. Your deep dives, your big heart, the unique way you tackle challenges—it's all part of your charm. Let's own it, celebrate it, and let that flag fly high.
There you are, holding your brand new autism membership card. It's kind of like realizing you've been playing a video game on hard mode without knowing the controls. Welcome to the club!
The "Everything Makes Sense Now" Epiphany
Ever have one of those moments where the past just clicks into place? That's life after getting diagnosed. All those little quirks and peculiar habits? They've all got labels now.
Life's Rewind Button: It's like watching your life story with director's commentary on. "In this scene, the protagonist's autism explains her fascination with ceiling fans." Who knew? You now get to look back and reflect on your life and choices you made now knowing you are autistic.
Tailoring Life to Fit You
Now that you know you're on the spectrum, it's time to start fine-tuning your environment to suit your needs. Think of it as customizing your life's user interface.
Dialing in the Settings: Maybe it's softer lighting, a less chaotic schedule, or finding the perfect texture in clothes. It's all about those little tweaks that make a big difference.
Spilling the Beans: Part of this new chapter involves letting your squad in on your autism. It's a bit like giving them a cheat sheet on how to best team up with you.
The Adventure Continues
Getting your autism diagnosis isn't the end of the story; it's more like the start of a sequel. Sure there will be challenges, but far fewer than the challenges faced as being an undiagnosed autistic woman.
Debunking Duty: Now you're part of the autism community, you might find yourself busting myths and stereotypes left and right. Consider it your new superpower! Let autism become your special interest!
The Self-Acceptance Dance: Embracing your autistic self is a journey with its own ups and downs. Some days you're the hero of your story, other days you're regrouping for the next chapter.
Welcome to Your Own Wonderland
Realizing you're autistic is like discovering a hidden door to your very own wonderland. It's a place where being you, in all your unique glory, is the main event.
Crafting Your Own Path: With your newfound understanding of your autism, you're now in the driver's seat, ready to navigate your unique journey through life.
Conclusion
Late diagnosis of autism in women is a sad reality, having very serious implications. But with more awareness and developing support systems, the future is great for women with autism. Embracing diversity and promoting understanding is the key in unleashing the potential of every individual on the autism spectrum.
