Why People Are Diagnosed with Asperger’s Late in Life?

Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), can go undiagnosed until adulthood. Late diagnosis of Aspergers can be challenging, but it can also provide validation and support. Here’s what you need to know.

Late Diagnosis of Asperger’s: Why So Late In Life?

Late diagnosis of Aspergers can be difficult, but it can also provide relief, validation, and self-understanding. Learn more about the challenges and benefits of getting a late diagnosis of Aspergers.

Asperger’s syndrome affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. People with Asperger’s typically have normal or above-average intelligence but may struggle with social skills, empathy, and understanding nonverbal cues. They may also have narrow interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Asperger’s syndrome was first described by Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger in 1944, but it was not widely recognized until the 1980s and 1990s. In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) removed Asperger’s as a separate diagnosis and merged it with ASD. However, many people still identify with the term Asperger’s and use it to describe their condition. While some people with Asperger’s are diagnosed in childhood, others may not be diagnosed until adulthood. There are several reasons why this may happen, such as: Lack of awareness: In the past, there was less knowledge and understanding of Asperger’s and ASD in general. Many people may have grown up without knowing that their difficulties had a name and a cause. Others may have labeled them shy, eccentric, or rude, or blamed themselves for their challenges. They may have also learned to mask or cope with their symptoms to fit in or avoid criticism. Misdiagnosis: Some people with Asperger’s may have been diagnosed with other conditions that share symptoms, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. While these conditions can co-occur with Asperger’s, they may not fully explain the person’s experiences and needs. A misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate or ineffective treatment and support. Gender differences: Studies have shown that Asperger’s is more common in males than females, but this may be due to underdiagnosis in females. Females with Asperger’s may present differently than males, such as being more socially motivated, having more diverse interests, or being better at mimicking social norms. They may also face more pressure to conform to gender expectations and stereotypes, which can make them hide their true selves. As a result, females with Asperger’s may be overlooked or misinterpreted by professionals and peers. Life changes: Some people with Asperger’s may manage well in childhood and adolescence but face adulthood difficulties when encountering new situations and expectations. For example, they may struggle with college, work, relationships, parenting, or aging. These life changes can expose or exacerbate their underlying challenges and cause them to seek help. Getting a diagnosis of Asperger’s later in life can positively and negatively impact a person’s well-being. On the one hand, it can provide a sense of relief, validation, and self-understanding. It can also help the person access appropriate services and support, connect with others who share their experiences, and embrace their strengths and differences. On the other hand, it can also trigger feelings of grief, anger, confusion, and regret. It can also challenge the person’s identity, relationships, and career. Therefore, it is essential for people diagnosed with Asperger’s late in life to seek professional guidance and peer support to cope with their emotions and adjust to their new reality. It is also vital for them to remember that their diagnosis does not define them or limit them. They are still the same person they were before but with more insight and opportunities for growth. Some people with Asperger’s may manage well in childhood and adolescence but face adulthood difficulties when encountering new situations and expectations. For example, they may struggle with college, work, relationships, parenting, or aging. These life changes can expose or exacerbate their underlying challenges and cause them to seek help. Getting a diagnosis of Asperger’s later in life can positively and negatively impact a person’s well-being. On the one hand, it can provide a sense of relief, validation, and self-understanding. It can also help the person access appropriate services and support, connect with others who share their experiences, and embrace their strengths and differences. On the other hand, it can also trigger feelings of grief, anger, confusion, and regret. It can also challenge the person’s identity, relationships, and career. Therefore, it is important for people diagnosed with Asperger’s late in life to seek professional guidance and peer support to cope with their emotions and adjust to their new reality. It is also important for them to remember that their diagnosis does not define them or limit them. They are still the same person they were before but with more insight and opportunities for growth.

17 Symptoms of Aspergers/Autism That Are Often Overlooked

Late diagnosis of Aspergers can happen for a variety of reasons, including a lack of awareness, misdiagnosis, and gender differences. Some individuals may manage well in childhood and adolescence but face difficulties with new situations and expectations in adulthood. Here are some common symptoms of late diagnosis of Aspergers: – Difficulty making eye contact or reading facial expressions – Difficulty understanding sarcasm, jokes, or figures of speech – Difficulty expressing emotions or empathizing with others – Preference for logical and factual information over abstract or emotional topics – Tendency to take things literally or be very honest and direct – Tendency to focus on details rather than the big picture – Special interest in a specific topic or activity that can become obsessive or all-consuming – Repetitive behaviors or movements, such as rocking, tapping, spinning, or fidgeting – Need for routine and structure, and resistance to change or unpredictability – Sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, smells, or textures – Difficulty with executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, prioritizing, or multitasking – Difficulty with social skills, such as initiating or maintaining conversations, making friends, or understanding social norms – Difficulty with emotional regulation, such as coping with stress, frustration, anger, or sadness – Prone to anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem due to social isolation or rejection – Prone to hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention due to boredom or overstimulation – High intelligence, creativity, or talent in a specific area – Strong sense of justice, fairness, or morality These symptoms are not exclusive to Asperger’s syndrome and may vary from person to person. They are also not necessarily negative or disabling. Depending on the context and the support available, they can be seen as strengths or challenges. It is important to recognize and accept them as part of who you are and seek help when needed. Late diagnosis of Aspergers can have both positive and negative impacts on a person’s life. On one hand, it can provide validation, self-understanding, and access to appropriate services and support. On the other hand, it can trigger feelings of grief, anger, confusion, and regret, and challenge a person’s identity, relationships, and career. If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with Aspergers, it is important to seek professional guidance and peer support to cope with emotions and adjust to a new reality. Remember, a diagnosis does not define or limit a person. Late diagnosis of Aspergers can bring new opportunities for growth and self-discovery.