An Adult Autism Diagnosis at 37

Woman hand in hand with boy and girl, looking out over a lake

When I was seven, I had a ruptured appendix that resulted in peritonitis and gangrene. I was in the hospital for a month, had weeks off school, and even when I returned, I could not play outside or do PE (I liked that bit.)

While I was in hospital, I received a delivery from my classmates. The teacher had obviously dedicated a morning or afternoon to making cards with them. There were childish pictures on the front – flowers and rainbows and the occasional explosion. And inside, there were messages of goodwill – “We miss you!” and “Get Well Soon” and large curling script with children’s names, signed at the bottom.

I remember being terribly confused – and not just from the pain and medication – I had no idea why they would send me cards.

They hated me. I knew they hated me. There were one or two I could count on to be kind, only one I could call a friend and several who were outright cruel. The vast majority were indifferent though, tolerant to a certain point before they ignored or abandoned me.

It is my first memory of being sure that I was disliked. I still do not really know why they disliked me, but I know that they did.

On Tuesday the 23rd of April, I underwent an ADOS assessment for autism spectrum conditions. On Thursday the 9th of May, over two years after I was referred, I received my diagnosis.

I am autistic.

Such information comes with mixed feelings. There is relief, of course. There are explanations, there are reasons – for at least some of the things that have always felt like failures.

There is hope. The pressure to conform, to go to certain places, to behave in certain ways, to make small talk and smile, to pretend I am not terrified, to act normal, to be normal, to appease, to blame myself, to relax, to snap out of it, to move on – it has lifted, just a little. And everything is easier, just a little.

There is also fear – assumptions about me will only be multiplied. Some will doubt my abilities, my autonomy and my intelligence. I fear that the knowledge will put many off from dealing with me, rather than inspire them to be more patient, to learn and understand. Will that little note on my medical records make professionals question me more? Will the act of disclosing my diagnosis to a potential employer hinder me before I begin?

Me with pink t-shirt

I do not know.

I have advocated and fought for my boy since he was two years old. I have researched and listened and lived and breathed autism, for three and a half years, for him. I felt that switch in my head flip with the realisation that this was me too, that I felt this too.

That realisation has now been validated. There are those who ask “Why seek a diagnosis as an adult? What use would it do now? What would it change? Why seek a label when there is no support or benefit from knowing?”

Self-knowledge is a powerful tool. It grants us the power to view the past more positively. It makes the present more manageable and it promises a future of acceptance and self-worth.

Ten minutes after I received my diagnosis phone call, I told my son. His huge blue eyes widened, and his face lit up with excitement.

“So it is official! Half the family are autistic and half are neurotypical!”

It felt like I had given him a gift – the gift of shared neurology, of understanding. It makes all that went before worthwhile, half a life of what I thought was weakness, suddenly transformed into glorious strength.

And that is the value of an adult autism diagnosis.




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12 thoughts on “An Adult Autism Diagnosis at 37

  1. Congratulations on the validation! From your posts, I know it’s something that has been tugging at your mind. I have an “invisible illness” , Fibromyalgia, and I remember when I finally found a doctor who believed me and gave a name/label to my symptoms. Validation is so important!
    I’ve found many fantastic friends in the blogging community who, like you, received their autism diagnosis as adults. They’ve written about how so much of their past makes sense now and how much happier they are.
    How wonderful for your son to have not only a fantastic mum, but also an autistic mum who understands how difficult it can be.💌

  2. I love your story. Im a nurse who has worked with many forms of mental and physically disable children and adults. I am also disabled. I hate that word. Your story made me think about how we can change our views on disability. Awareness seems to be the answer. I do my best to educate people and mostly kids when they ask me questions. You are inspiring. Keep strong dear.

  3. I also had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder as an adult, I was 39 when I was diagnosed, I’m now 40 and now everything that has ever happened to me now makes so much sense, it answered a lot of questions that I have had all my life. As somebody else commented validation is very important not just for myself but for everyone else who has always dismissed me and my many problems over the years.
    Take care and all the best.

  4. I never understood why I wasn’t liked at school. I was definitely bullied but couldn’t work out why. I was quite good at things too, like sport, school and art and that just seemed to make it worse. Could I be autistic? Possibly. I’ve thought I have ADD or ADHD for quite a while. I think I’ve just come to realise various traits in myself as I’ve got older and seen the things I do as what they are… strategies to get through tasks, days or people. I’ve also realised it’s OK to feel like I do about some things too. And that should be the same for everyone really I suppose, autistic or not. I’m glad you’ve found peace with this diagnosis and lovely it’s brought an extra special connection for your son. xxx

  5. I love your sons reaction. Congratulations on your diagnosis it although two years is such a long time to wait! #SpectrumSunday

  6. I think it’s amazing that you went to be assessed yourself. I think people have a stigma when it comes to adults going for a diagnosis but actually it helps you understand yourself a bit more x

  7. How wonderful to be able to know yourself a little bit better and to (officially) give your son a companion on his neurodivergent path. I hope that it results in kindness and understanding for both of you.

    #SpectrumSunday

  8. I have suspected for some years that I am on the autistic spectrum, but have no idea how to go about getting a diagnosis. Did you go via your GP or did you have the assessment dome privately?

    1. I’ve just found your post about how you got your diagnosis, which is really helpful. Thanks for all the information, I am now going to read all the resources you link to.

  9. I felt the exact same way receiving my diagnosis last year! It always feels good to see someone else with the same thoughts and emotions around it, and your son must feel so supported too!

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