Late-Identified Autistic Adults
Are Getting Left Behind

Kristina has had to overcome years of internalized ableism and an identity build around giftness. Discover how Kristina’s asymmetrical development hid their other autistic traits and why their parents overlooked this.

Caroline realized she is autistic at the same time she realized her kids are. Learn how little supports are available for autistic adults compared to children and how much that affects those who are late-identified.

Shannon saw three psychologists and had researched several more in her journey to diagnosis. See just how much misinformation she had to wade through before she could even start to get support.

Megan was told they were a bad kid, that they were aggressive, that they have Borderline Personality Disorder. Learn why these presumptions led to years-long struggles with self-worth, behavioural issues, and drug addiction.

Liv is caught in a catch-22. They can’t get accommodations without a diagnosis. Without accommodations, they can’t work enough to build savings. Without savings, they can’t afford a diagnosis.

Autism affects individuals of all ages, but it presents itself differently in adults. Autistic adults may have developed coping mechanisms to deal with social communication issues, and changed sensitivities, interests, and executive functioning skills. They may have co-occurring medical and mental health conditions.

Wondering if you might be on the autism spectrum as an adult in BC? It can be tough to navigate the assessment process, but don’t worry! We’ll cover 6 steps to get you started, from doing a self-assessment to finding a neurodiversity-affirming assessor. Don’t give up on getting the help you need!

Struggling to get assessed: Why many autistic adults in BC are left without a diagnosis. Cost is a major barrier, with 75% of respondents reporting they can’t afford it. Plus, there aren’t enough specialists to meet the demand, resulting in long waitlists. Personal doubts and fears, as well as a lack of comprehensive care in BC, also play a role.

Did you know that autistic women and girls are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed? This is due to a shortage of specialists, masking, misdiagnosis, phenotype differences, and lack of research.

Looking for answers and self-understanding? Getting diagnosed as an autistic adult can help you achieve personal growth, well-being, and social belonging. We’ll explore 4 reasons why autistic adults might seek assessment and diagnosis in BC. And whether you’re able to connect with a professional or not, we believe in the validity of self-diagnosis at AutismBC!