Not sure if this classes as later in life but I was nearly 17? I didn't get help with the first year of my GCSE's but I did for the 2nd because of my diagnosis. I already had 25% extra time but then I also got seperate accommodation because the exam Hall was just too much for me. Fast forward to 22, I'm studying animal care and I have all the help I can ask for. Shout out to my classroom assistant and my excellent tutor! I'm not gonna say it was easy even with a diagnosis because some places I've studied just couldn't support me but this college is excellent!

It made a lot more sense I think that it helped me understand myself even more.

diagnosed in my teens just in time to get accomodations for my last two years of highschool. Honestly for me I think it only helped me, i have a strong suspicion being labeled as "special ed" early on would given my teachers and peers unconscious bias and stunted me academically and socially, and i got my diagnoses in time to salvage my academics after my intricate web of less-than-ideal coping mechanisms collapsed in on itself. Its definetly beneficial now that im developing healthier ways of functioning that accomodate all of my quirks

I'm only just being diagnosed aged 23/24 and, as much as it has been difficult up to now, I feel as though I'm able to more comprehensively understand how autism has affected me throughout my life and today. Also, it is very affirming to be diagnosed - I allow myself to struggle and am always discovering how to be a neurodivergent adult.

I missed out on the last few years of education and therefore didn't do my exams. This would most likely be an issue for someone else but I've been determined unfit for work. I don't think the time of my diagnosis affected anything; I was still disabled the entire time.