It was a breakthrough for Natasha Nelson, a 35-year-old businesswoman from Stone Mountain, Georgia, when she was finally diagnosed with autism a few years ago. Prior to that, she had always struggled to understand social norms and behaviors that seemed second nature to others.
For instance, she couldn’t comprehend the purpose of small talk during first meetings or the seemingly trivial act of making one’s bed in the morning. Interestingly, her youngest daughter was also diagnosed with autism around the same time as Natasha’s diagnosis, providing some clarity for both mother and daughter.
Self-discovery and growth
Natasha encourages others who feel overwhelmed and lost in their daily lives to consider seeking a diagnosis, as it could provide answers and open up new opportunities for self-discovery and growth. In her words, she asks, “If your life has always felt like it was in chaos and you don’t feel comfortable or like you’re thriving, but rather constantly surviving and just going from one thing to the next, what do you have to lose?” Seeking a diagnosis may be daunting, but the potential benefits of understanding oneself better can be immeasurable.
Seeking a diagnosis may be daunting, but the potential benefits of understanding oneself better can be immeasurable. It is also worth noting that obtaining an autism diagnosis later in life can be a complicated and costly process, as there is often a shortage of medical professionals trained specifically to work with adults.
Better resources and support
Therefore, individuals need to educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of adult autism and advocate for better resources and support in this area. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those with autism at any age.
As highlighted in a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, there has been a significant rise of 452% in autism diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34 from 2011 to 2022. This increase may be attributed to more adults seeking insight into their own neurodiversity, often prompted by their children’s diagnosis or through exposure to social media platforms.
Evidence-based practice
At Nevada Autism Center, we are happy to see this progress and strive to continue providing quality Diagnosis and Therapy services to individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum. Our team is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with autism through evidence-based practices and personalized treatment plans. Together, we can make a positive impact and promote a more inclusive society for those with autism.
Don’t be afraid to seek out resources and support – it can make all the difference in creating a fulfilling life for yourself or your loved ones on the spectrum.
