How an Autism Diagnosis Impacts Mental Health…
Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
Discovering you or your loved one has autism can feel like finding the missing piece to a puzzle.
You know, that moment when everything clicks into place? Yeah, that's the feeling.
But here's the thing - finding out sooner rather than later seems to make a world of difference, according to some research…
It turns out, folks who get the lowdown on their autism early in life tend to navigate adulthood with a little more ease. Picture this: a bunch of university students with autism share their stories on how they got the news, how they felt about it, and what life's like with the condition. Dr. Steven Kapp, who's been through it himself, shares some insights.
He suggests that knowing you're autistic while you're still young could set you on a path to a happier life. Makes sense, right? It's like getting a guidebook for your brain. You start to understand yourself better, and suddenly, all those quirks and twitches make sense. Plus, you find your tribe - other like-minded folks. It's like a secret club, but with more shared experiences and fewer secret handshakes.
But here's the thing: not everyone gets the news early on.
Some folks, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, women, and people from minority groups, might not realize their autism until later in life.
But hey, better late than never, right? Dr. Kapp suggests that even if the news arrives later, it can still bring a sense of relief.
It's like finally finding your car keys after turning the whole house upside down…
Now, if you're a parent, here's the scoop: share the news early, but do it gently. You don't want to drop a bombshell about autism during storytime. It's all about timing and a gentle touch. As one wise participant put it, autism is like having a unique superpower - challenging, beautiful, exhausting, and impactful all at once. And hey, who wouldn't want to be a superhero?
Ms. Bella Kofner, another researcher involved, learned about her autism at three and fully understood it by age ten.
And guess what? She's proof that early knowledge can lead to emotional well-being. So, parents, take note: when it comes to discussing autism, early conversations pave the way for understanding and acceptance.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, whether you find out about your autism early or later in life, the key is to embrace it as part of who you are. It's not about fitting into a mold; it's about celebrating your uniqueness and finding your place in the world.
So, if you or someone you know is navigating life on the autism spectrum, remember this: you're not alone. There's a whole community out there ready to welcome you with open arms, quirks and all. And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll all realize that being a little different is what makes us truly special.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Oredipe, T., Kofner, B., Riccio, A., Cage, E., Vincent, J., Kapp, S. K., Dwyer, P., & Gillespie-Lynch, K. (2023). Does learning you are autistic at a younger age lead to better adult outcomes? A participatory exploration of the perspectives of autistic university students. Autism, 27(1), 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221086700
