🔍Discovering your autism is often a self-discovery process, rather than being diagnosed by a professional.
📚Reading a memoir by an autistic person can often resonate strongly and lead to self-discovery.
📽️YouTube recommendations can introduce you to autistic content, sparking self-discovery.
💔Major burnouts can lead to uncovering hidden challenges and a realization of being autistic.
🤝Having autistic friends who are diagnosed may make you reflect on shared traits and discover your own autism.
Is self-diagnosis of autism valid?
—Many autistic communities accept self-diagnosis as a valid way of understanding one's neurodiversity.
Is a professional diagnosis necessary to identify as autistic?
—No, a professional diagnosis is not necessary. Many autistic individuals self-identify based on personal experiences and traits.
Can autism be discovered later in life?
—Yes, it is possible to discover one's autism later in life, often through life experiences, burnouts, or personal reflections.
What are some signs that may indicate an individual is autistic?
—Signs of autism can include social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, intense interests or obsessions, difficulty with change, and atypical communication or sensory processing.
Is it common for parents to discover their own autism through their diagnosed child?
—Yes, it is common for parents to recognize their own autistic traits after their child receives an autism diagnosis.
00:00In this video, the speaker discusses nine common ways to discover one's autism.
03:14One way to discover your autism is through a friend or multiple friends who get diagnosed as adults.
03:53YouTube recommendations can often introduce individuals to autistic content, leading to self-discovery.
04:39Reading a memoir by an autistic person can often resonate strongly and lead to self-discovery.
07:08Major burnouts can lead individuals to uncover hidden challenges and discover their autism.
07:58Life changes, such as a pandemic or divorce, can trigger a discovery of one's autism.
08:02Getting diagnosed with ADHD first can often lead to self-discovery of autism.
09:26Having a psychologist suggest autism as a possibility can start the self-discovery process.
