The Signs Were There: Recognizing Autism Traits After a Late Diagnosis
#TalkNerdyToMe® Stealth Superstar
(A Stealth Superstar is someone who wants to be heard, but prefers their identity be withheld. Keep on shinin’ with your stealthy self superstar! We won’t judge you!)
I received my autism diagnosis at 36. While terminology has evolved, I still identify with the term "Aspie” (now referred to as level one ASD). Reflecting on my experiences, I've come to realize that autism is a spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique. We all have distinct strengths, challenges, and life stories.
Growing up in the '60s, '70s, and '80s, I faced mockery and exclusion due to my differences. During that era, autism was often misunderstood, and many girls, in particular, went undiagnosed. Research indicates that nearly 80% of autistic females remain undiagnosed by age 18, partly because autism research has historically focused on male presentations .
Eye contact was overwhelming for me, a common challenge for individuals with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, which can make understanding and maintaining eye contact particularly challenging .
Tasks like tying shoes or holding a pen correctly were difficult, leading to further ridicule. These challenges are often linked to fine motor difficulties and coordination issues, which are common in individuals with ASD .
I also experienced intense emotional reactions, including anger and prolonged periods of sleeplessness. Such emotional dysregulation is a characteristic of autism, where individuals may have difficulty managing emotions and may experience heightened sensitivity to stimuli .
Music was perplexing to me; I enjoyed it but couldn't grasp the rhythm. This is an example of sensory processing differences, where individuals with autism may perceive sensory stimuli differently from others .
I also struggled with social interactions, often picking up conversations as if no time had passed, leaving others confused. Difficulty understanding social cues and maintaining conversations is a common feature of ASD .
My blunt language and humor sometimes offended others. These communication challenges are typical in autism, where interpreting social nuances can be difficult .
Professionally, I excelled in technical tasks, learning quickly and solving problems independently. Autistic individuals often have intense and focused interests, leading to expertise in specific areas .
However, I yearned for deeper human connections. Recognizing this, I took deliberate steps to improve my social interactions, joining groups to discuss emotions and human experiences. This process of learning and adapting is part of the personal growth that many individuals with autism experience .
Today, I embrace my uniqueness. Autism has shaped who I am, and I've learned to navigate the world with a better understanding of myself. While the journey has been challenging, it has also been rewarding, leading to personal fulfillment and meaningful connections.
