The 33-year-old has also been coping with social difficulties, sensory challenges, and shutdowns throughout his life.
That changed when he was diagnosed withautism spectrum disorder (ASD)this summer.
I recall shaking as the therapist delivered the team’s verdict.
Patricia Boyce / EyeEm / Getty Images
It was incredibly validating, Fleming tells Verywell.
I felt like I could finally let out a big breath after holding it for so long.
After 10 years of persistent effort, Fleming was referred for the diagnostic assessment by a general practitioner.
But he waited another 3.5 years on a waitlist for the assessment.
Autism Diagnosis and Mental Health
Fleming is not alone in his experience.
For many, the later diagnosis has led to worse quality of life and poor mental health outcomes.
But that’s not the case forautistic adults.
In some cases, their parents were hesitant to pursue a diagnosis because they held negative perceptions of autism.
Jennifer Carty
I felt every different emotion when I got diagnosed.
I could finally rationalize all of the quirks that I had.
Others simply did not have access to a formal assessment process.
I think that the sooner you are able to do that, the better, says Atherton.
Atherton adds that theres also a misunderstanding about what autism looks like in femalescalled a “phenotype.”
Like so many autistic women, Jennifer Carty was diagnosed post-childhood.
The 27-year-old got her official diagnosis just one year ago.
I felt every different emotion when I got diagnosed, Carty tells Verywell.
I could finally rationalize all of the quirks that I had."
“I was also quite resentful towards my schools,” she adds.
“For example, for not noticing when I was a childfor the fact I slipped through the cracks.
For adults with ASD, Atherton adds that receiving a diagnosis is only half the battle.
Atherton says that this is why early diagnosis is critical.
When kids are diagnosed with ASD, there are built-in systems in place, such as educational support.
They also typically have caregivers who can advocate on their behalf.
I haven’t been appointed a single point of contact for ongoing autism support.
I’m very much on my own.”
There’s also a lack of proper healthcare support for autistic adults.
But more people are forming communities online to talk about their experiences and challenges.
2020;24(4):809-821. doi:10.1177/1362361320912147
