Seeking Advice: How Did You Get Diagnosed with Autism?

To start, u can take some online tests and read the criteria in the dsm5 n jus do research, look up the traits in children and adults n see how much u relate

53F. I was consistently placed in special classes for part of the day in my early schooling. Couldn't tolerate preschool due to sensory issues and meltdowns that led to me becoming physically ill. If I was diagnosed as a child, my mother suppressed it, as mothers sometimes did back then. I knew I was different and struggled badly in many situations, but was also smart in others. I never suspected autism. I was diagnosed when I was referred to a disability work program. They did a full evaluation for pretty much every aspect of my being, over several days. The result was autism. That's how I found out. I think I was 41.

I just got a diagnosis at 21years old in the US. I started seeing videos online that matched up with so many of my experiences. I’d been in therapy for 2 years and diagnosed with several other things, but nothing worked. Turns out it’s because I have autism and haven’t been getting counseling that would actually benefit me.

i grew up with a brother who was diagnosed at 2. i saw autism as learning issues, muteness and the likes. so i never suspected my self. in 2019 my mom started learning about how it presents differently in afabs, which then lead her to suspect me. she scheduled an evaluation with our regular specialist (since she has multiple autistic/adhd children) and in february of 2020 i was diagnosed, age 15. since then i’ve learned a lot. and if afab autistics were more represented there is no way any would have missed it.

I was diagnosed at 9, it was pushed by my mom and I don’t really remember the process sadly but I hope you’re able to get tested

I have not been able to get diagnosed, but daycare/teacher recommended testing since I was 4. My parents did not get me tested. I'm 25 now. Still trying to figure out how I can get tested since I live fairly "normally" to people who don't know me well.

I think I was eight years old... I think...

I was only few months old but they say you have to around 2 years old

I’ve suspected I was autistic for a while but eventually I bought the book “I think I might be autistic” by Cynthia Kim. One you fill out the questions in the front of the book I think it will be helpful to take it with you when you go to get diagnosed just to get an overall picture of your autistic experience. They will ask you other questions but I find the questions in this book are very clear and helpful. Good luck. (I haven’t been professionally diagnosed but these are just my thoughts)