Adults with autism are finding a new sense of belonging and identity

 

Adults with autism are finding a new sense of belonging and identity through diagnosis and community. John Frizzell, a film score composer, received a diagnosis in 2021 and felt a sense of clarity and understanding. He is now part of a growing community of autistic adults who are finding support and connection.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 5.4 million adults with autism in the United States, making up about 2.2% of the population. However, autistic adults are often underserved and face significant challenges, including high rates of unemployment and mental health issues.

Despite these challenges, many adults are seeking out diagnoses and finding a sense of community and belonging. Social media has played a significant role in this trend, with many people sharing their experiences and connecting with others who share similar struggles and strengths.

Diagnosing autism in adults can be complex, as there are no specific diagnostic tests. However, many providers are using evaluations such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale for Adults (SRS-2) to help identify autism in adults.

Some adults are also self-diagnosing, which can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, self-diagnosis can provide a sense of understanding and connection to the autistic community. On the other hand, it may not provide access to resources and support that require a professional diagnosis.

Organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Bay Area Autism Collective are working to provide support and resources for autistic adults. These organizations offer services such as job training programs, peer support groups, and advocacy.

For many autistic adults, diagnosis and community have provided a sense of identity and belonging. Bird Sellergren, founder and executive director of the Bay Area Autism Collective, says, "Getting an autism diagnosis, becoming part of the autism community, has completely recontextualized my life. I can look back at things that were confounding, put them in the context of autism, and they all make sense."

In conclusion, adults with autism are finding a new sense of belonging and identity through diagnosis and community. While there are still significant challenges to overcome, the growing autistic community is providing support and connection for many adults who have been underserved and misunderstood.