If someone suspects that they may be autistic as an adult, they may wonder if they should pursue a formal autism diagnosis. The are some pros and cons that people might consider and its important to know that getting diagnosed with autism as an adult is a different process than getting diagnosed as a child.
Early diagnosis for autistic children is crucial to allow earlier intervention, which can truly make a lifelong difference. For example, with early diagnosis, children can begin therapies, be better understood by their caregivers and families, and develop communication and social skills to improve their overall success. When children are diagnosed earlier, they receive support sooner, leading to better outcomes later in life.
Autistic individuals often thrive off routine and predictability and prefer to stay in familiar environments. However, it is important for autistic people and their family members to seek out a variety of environments so that they can gain exposure to different sensory experiences. Frequent outings build adaptability and encourages lifelong engagement within the community
We don’t just talk with words — we also "talk" with our faces, hands, and how we move. This is called body language or nonverbal communication. It helps us connect and understand each other. For autistic people, body language can look a little different.
Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, or IPSE, is a program that helps students with intellectual or developmental disabilities go to college. These programs help students learn new things, make friends, and be part of college life.