If you have received a diagnosis of Autism as an adult, you may feel a sense of relief, but also a mix of emotions. Many adults are diagnosed later in life due to being misunderstood by the medical community, and in many cases misdiagnosed with other behavioural or mental health concerns. It is also common for autistic individuals to mask, or hide their autistic traits, to be accepted by their peers.
Although you may seek out some supports, many autistic adults celebrate and embrace their neurodivergence. Your diagnosis does not change who you are, but allows you to better understand your personality, needs, and childhood.
Learn:
“At first, it feels like you have so much to learn and so little time to learn it. There is so much information out there about autism. It can be difficult to know what information applies to and is helpful for you.” —Jake Anthony, Former Program Ambassador, AutismBC.
Knowledge is power. Learning about autistic traits and strengths will allow you a better sense of self. However, there is a large amount of information and misinformation, which can be overwhelming. Many harmful stereotypes persist, so be kind to yourself and look for reputable sources. There is no wrong or right way to be autistic and the language you use to self-identify is entirely up to you.
Some terms you may come across:
Stimming: An informal term short for the clinical term “self-stimulatory behaviours” and refers to repetitive behaviours or motions that a person does. Stimming is done when someone is feeling overwhelmed or excited as a way of focusing on one activity. An example is nail biting.
Executive functioning: Refers to the mental skills of working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. In short, these skills are responsible for things such as paying attention, planning, managing emotions, and understanding different points of view. Humans are not born with these skills and must develop them during childhood and into adolescence.
Neurodivergent: A non-medical term used similarly to the term “neurodiverse” to refer to people who have conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) that impact cognitive abilities and social skills. Like “neurodiverse,” the term “neurodivergent” is used to mean someone who “shows atypical neurological behaviour and development” (Dictionary.com, 2022).
Sensory processing disorder (SPD): Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory information (stimuli). Sensory information includes things you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. SPD can affect all your senses, or just one. SPD often means you’re overly sensitive to stimuli that other people are not. But the disorder can cause the opposite effect, too. In these cases, it takes more stimuli to impact you.
Further reading:
Seek Connection:
Remember you are not alone in this journey. Connecting with other autistic adults can be both therapeutic and validating. Even if you are a social person already, you may relate to other adults on the spectrum differently. You may find you have much in common. Below are some starting points for seeking those important connections:
- Getting Together on the Spectrum Autistic Adult Meetup Group
- Support and Community Groups
- Canucks Autism Network – Adult Programs
- Popular Autistic Social Media Influencers
Build Your Support Network
You may have spent much of your life feeling misunderstood and having your sensitives ignored or downplayed. Building a solid support network is empowering and could help to address past traumas. There are a variety of community resources available for adults on the spectrum, from housing to mental health supports. You may also want to connect with a counsellor for support. Contact us for our list.
If you are employed, you may be eligible for workplace supports or accommodations, including a quiet workspace, modified schedule, sensory support, and organizational assistance. These are a right of everyone in BC but there are still many workplaces that request formal diagnosis before they are willing to offer supports. To learn more about reasonable accommodations, visit the Inclusive Workplace website.
More Support Resources:
- Mental Health Resources
- Accessing Financial Benefits
- Housing Supports
- PAFN – Adult Employment Program
- Pass Adult Services
- Ten Ways to Better Support Autistic Employees
Addressing Your Needs After Diagnosis
After receiving an autism diagnosis, many adults find it helpful to work with a counsellor or therapist to process this new understanding of themselves. When seeking support, look for a professional who is neuro-affirming and experienced in working with autistic adults. AutismBC can help support you in finding appropriate counselling options and resources. Therapy can be a space to explore experiences such as autistic burnout, the impact of long-term masking, identity exploration, and trauma that may stem from years of unmet needs or misunderstanding.
Tip: It is absolutely okay to “interview” therapists before committing. You can ask questions about their experience with neurodivergence, how they understand autism in adults, and whether their approach is affirming and strengths-based.
You may also wish to explore new ways to support your executive functioning. Many autistic adults benefit from external supports such as digital or paper calendars, reminders, visual schedules, timers, or task-breaking tools. Reducing demands where possible and building in predictability can be an important step in preventing or recovering from autistic burnout. For practical ideas and tools, visit our blog on neurodivergent-friendly apps and equipment.
Taking time to review your sensory needs can also be valuable. Notice what environments, activities, or interactions drain your energy and which ones help restore it. Making small adjustments—such as changing lighting, sound, pacing, or routines—can have a meaningful impact on daily wellbeing.
Finally, many late-diagnosed autistic adults benefit from intentionally letting go of past self-blame. Challenges you may have faced were not personal failures, but signs of unmet needs and a lack of appropriate support. An autism diagnosis can offer a compassionate framework for understanding your experiences and moving forward with greater self-acceptance and care.
Further resources:
- Mental Health Resources
- Accessing Financial Benefits
- Housing Supports
- Ready Willing and Able Employment Services
- Douglas College – Autism CanTech Program
- Pass Adult Services
After diagnosis, you may be eligible for the Persons with Disability Benefit (PWD). For more information on criteria and the application process, visit the BC Government’s website.
