Autism is a condition characterised by experiencing social difficulties, sensory issues, and differences in executive function, amongst other symptoms.
There are reported to be around 700,000 adults and children with autism in the UK.[1]
However, University College London recently suggested that these figures could be twice as high [2] as it’s often reported, due to widespread underdiagnosis.
For many, autism can be really difficult to live with. Sadly, in general, adverse events and trauma are often overlooked in people who have autism. [3]
This, of course, can have a negative effect on mental and emotional health.
As awareness increases, more people than ever are being diagnosed with autism. In some, this comes quite late in life and can have a significant impact on mental health.
To begin learning about the various impacts a late diagnosis of autism can have, give our team a call today on 0800 140 4690
There is conflicting information as to whether an autism diagnosis later in life has a negative or positive impact on mental health.
This is likely because individual responses are very different. By looking at research studies, you get a helpful insight into autism and mental health.
In relation to diagnosis, the University of Bath reported [4] that a late diagnosis can be positive.
Actually, what was most influential in experiencing poor outcomes was having more autistic traits.
A study by Edge Hill University [5] found that many people with autism found a diagnosis empowering, although the study was focused on eight people only.
What’s useful to keep in mind is that many people who receive a late diagnosis have sought it out themselves.
This means they’re likely to be aware of the autistic traits they have and experience validation when the diagnosis proves them right.
As well as this, they might then be able to access more support and facilities to make life easier to navigate.
For some, however, a late diagnosis of autism will raise conflicting thoughts and feelings.
Some individuals might have sought a diagnosis and regret having an ASD diagnosis confirmed. When dealing with such a huge thing that has implications for the experience of self, negative effects might develop.
To learn more about the various effects an autism diagnosis can have on a person’s life, talk to our team on 0800 140 4690
So, what are the most likely mental health conditions you’re likely to experience alongside a late diagnosis of autism?
Whilst there can be a wide variety of conditions experienced alongside autism, the most common are anxiety and depression.
Anxiety has different ways of manifesting.
Some people experience generalised anxiety. It might be termed “high-functioning” which is characterised by rushing, cyclical thoughts but by still being able to get normal daily chores and activities completed.
Some people, however, might become frozen by anxiety and not be able to function as usual.
Either type can be severely distressing and have seriously unhealthy consequences on a person’s life.
Anxiety also manifests as panic disorders which are characterised by feelings of dread and panic attacks.
This is where a person is overwhelmed by the feeling that they’re about to die or something terrible is going to happen. For others, anxiety might develop as a phobia, and for others, as an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Depression is characterised by a loss of interest in usual hobbies and interests, a loss of motivation and an inability to sleep, amongst other symptoms.
This can be absolutely debilitating. Thoughts and feelings become consumed in the experience.
As with other mental health illnesses, depression has difficult effects on the person as well as their relationships, education, work and all other aspects of their life.
At its worst, depression might bring suicidal thoughts and ideation and lead to a person self-harming.
Note: if you’re having suicidal thoughts, or self-harming, you can contact your local GP for support. If you’re at immediate risk of harm, you can call 999.
If you have mental health symptoms alongside an autism diagnosis, it’s really important for you to contact a healthcare professional. This might be a local GP as well as a therapist and professionals who understand autism.
It’s really important to get help as you’ll start to process the feelings around your diagnosis and learn how to manage your behaviours and experiences in the world.
Getting help provides long-term solutions.
Some people use alcohol and drugs when they’re struggling. This is known as self-medicating.
Sadly, when this happens it can lead to addiction. Experiencing two types of mental health conditions is known as a comorbid condition or dual diagnosis.
When this happens, it might even mask autism.
It’s really important to get professional help if you’re using substances and this has gotten out of control.
There are both NHS and private options. NHS services tend to have longer waiting lists for more individual help, but you should be able to access some group sessions immediately.
The most effective treatment for addiction is at a private rehab clinic where you’ll be supported through medical and psychological treatments. Autistic adults can also access support around their diagnosis at rehab.
Get the help you need to overcome any conditions related to autism by calling us today on 0800 140 4690
Identity and what this means on an individual basis raises existential questions for the majority of people at some point in their lives.
For a person who receives a late autism diagnosis, it can have a huge impact on their identity and self-concept.
For some, it might cause inner conflict.
There might be a sense of, “Who am I?” Some people express a feeling of having two selves – the one they present to the world and the one behind closed doors.
This can be especially the case where people carry out stimming behaviours – this might be something they hide.
A person highly sensitive to light and sound might rely on sunglasses and headphones and suddenly question whether it’s really “them or the autism” that compels them do it.
Though for some people it won’t matter, for others the traits and behaviours linked to autism can raise feelings of shame.
There’s a stigma linked to autism in society and while awareness is growing, a diagnosis can bring out negative socially conditioned ideas.
For some, managing all of these feelings might lead to unhealthy coping behaviours. As just mentioned, some might express symptoms of substance abuse, other mental health conditions (i.e. depression or anxiety), and issues might develop in relationships.
Accessing emotional as well as practical support will make all the difference after receiving an autism diagnosis.
To further discuss the nature of autism and how it can effect your identity, give our team a call on 0800 140 4690
Relationships have different elements that help them to thrive, including communication, emotional connection, sexual connection, shared interests, and similar values.
If you’re already in a romantic relationship and receive a diagnosis, it’s likely that both you and your partner will already have a communication style.
What’s helpful to keep in mind is that some of the main characteristics of autism are that people often struggle with communication, expressing feelings, picking up on and understanding social and nonverbal cues.
A diagnosis might help you find a place of healthier communication as you start to understand how autism impacts interactions.
This can lead to deeper intimacy, sexual connection, and navigating shared interests.
On the other hand, a diagnosis might bring unexpected or surprising feelings for both partners. It could feel negative.
There might be difficulties expressing thoughts and feelings around the diagnosis as well as a whole host of other things as you start to realise how life is altered because of it (i.e. perhaps this is the reason you might avoid loud, crowded places while your partner loves to go to festivals.)
What’s important to keep in mind is that increasing knowledge and understanding of autism and working on communication with each other is the key to a healthy relationship.
If you continue to struggle, couples therapy is a great place to work on the relationship together. There are counsellors who specialise in ASD which are especially beneficial in this scenario.
If you’re single, an autism diagnosis might worry you. Perhaps you’ll think it will make romantic relationships more difficult.
You might fret over how and when to tell someone.
Fortunately, autism awareness is increasing and with this, attitudes around it are changing and stigma is reducing.
There are many neurotypical (as well as neurodiverse people) dating neurodiverse individuals. You must not let this be a barrier.
A person you start dating and who likes you will like you regardless of a diagnosis.
It’s important to be open and honest and, as with all relationships, be willing to put effort into the relationship, especially around communication.
For more guidance regarding how to successfully conduct romantic relationships with consideration to autism, call us today on 0800 140 4690
You will be the expert on your personal experience in the external world and your internal world.
However, as with any condition or diagnosis, understanding helps.
One of the most important actions to take after receiving a late autism diagnosis is to learn about it.
Doing so empowers you to understand deeply what autism is and with that comes a deep self-understanding and, for many, self-compassion.
You might opt to read books by others who have autism, attend support groups, go to therapy, and connect to others through organisations.
Each person’s experience of autism and their response to a diagnosis is unique to them. Don’t beat yourself up for having autism or struggling with a diagnosis.
For many, it’s all part of the process, though seeking professional help is advisable, especially if you’re experiencing negative thoughts and feelings.
For a greater understanding of autism, talk to our experts today on 0800 140 4690
There are many resources and places you can go for information, advice, help, guidance and ideas about living with autism.
There are both local and national autism organisations that offer a wealth of information and links to groups and educational resources.
As well as this there are social media groups where you can connect to other individuals and allies.
You might also be interested in accessing therapy to help you process thoughts and feelings around having autism.
Some people also contact their doctor to discuss their diagnosis and related comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Get the support you need for coping with autism by giving us a call today on 0800 140 4690
If someone you love has just received a diagnosis of autism there are things you can do to support them.
Firstly, remember that you know your family member or friend. Maybe they’ll want to talk, or maybe they won’t.
Either way, it can be helpful to communicate with them that you’re here for them and are ready to talk about it when they are.
Many people with autism will feel happy with a diagnosis, but others won’t. It’s good for your loved one to know you’re there for them.
Keep in mind that talking about it might have to be different to your usual conversation. It can be helpful to learn new ways to communicate thoughts and feelings.
Secondly, do your research. Find out as much as you can about what autism is.
You can also do this by reading books and watching TV shows where people with autism share their experiences.
This really helps to shed light on how it feels for some people and on how to be helpful.
Finally, support your loved one to access the help they want to address and live their lives the way they want to.
Ensure that your loved one gets the support they need to properly deal with autism by giving us a call on 0800 140 4690
A late diagnosis of autism might change a person’s working life. Organisations that have a strong equality and diversity protocol will be aware of autism and can make positive adjustments so that the working environment is beneficial to all involved.
The benefit of a late diagnosis of autism is that it can bring validation and self-understanding. You also might be able to access organisations that support you by offering information and resources that make living with autism easier, especially if you’re regularly in neuro-typical environments.
Yes, left untreated, autism might lead some people to develop depression. This can make life can feel very confusing. Shutdowns and meltdowns can become quite common as well. It’s really important to seek support if you have autism as it can help improve your mental health and wellbeing.
If you have any other questions about autism, as our expert team today on 0800 140 4690
Autism affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK.
It’s thought that a wide selection of many people are autistic and undiagnosed.
A late and formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder can go one of two ways. Some people find it empowering, while others will really struggle.
Difficulties might be experienced around a person’s mental health, relationships, and throughout all areas of life.
Regardless of your feelings towards having autism, your quality of life can be improved by learning about and understanding the condition.
Getting support from outside organisations and other people who have autism can also help you and your loved ones to navigate ASD.
Get the help you need to deal with addiction by giving our team a call today on 0800 140 4690
[1] https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573608/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
