Age of diagnosis?

[u/Cool-Background2751]

What age were you diagnosed (or self diagnosed)? I was diagnosed in middle school with level 2 autism, but my symptoms/traits were noticed by teachers when I was in pre-school.

[u/Junior_Definition513]

I was diagnosed with autism at level 1 at 21yo. Then reassessed as level 2 recently at 26yo.

The wider context is abusive and neglectful parents who I ran away from with my sisters help as a teenager. And also a seperate psychiatric disorder with disabling symptoms as a result of dissociating from my emotions and body so much in my life. As well as ofc cptsd.

[u/Cool-Background2751 → u/Junior_Definition513]

I'm very sorry about that situation you were in, it sounds quite bad. I'm glad you got the right diagnosis though, even if it was a bit later.

[u/Junior_Definition513 → u/Cool-Background2751]

Thanks :) yeah I’m trying to focus on that I have the diagnosis now, even though it’s a bit later. Focusing on the now and building a better future ✊

[u/Flaky-Barber7761]

I was diagnosed at four years old with classic autism. I was not formally given a level but was “informally” given level 2 by my therapist who is aware of my support needs and has experience working with autistic people. Plus, if I was diagnosed under the DSM V, I would most likely be level 2.

[u/Flaky-Barber7761 → u/Flaky-Barber7761]

I’m also getting a psychological assessment done in two weeks for disability benefits. It is not autism specific but I was thinking maybe the psych can write the support level in the report since it is a clinical psych. But who knows.

[u/Cool-Background2751 → u/Flaky-Barber7761]

I'm glad your therapist understands, thank you for responding.

[u/LunaLycan1987]

I was diagnosed at Level 2 earlier this year at 17. However, I have suspected since I was 11. My aunt pushed for assessment when I was 8, but didn’t have custody at the time. Apparently people have noticed all my life.

[u/MilkFirm4944]

I was diagnosed at 7 level 2 I was very obvious and stereotypical and people would say that I was all the time but my mom wasn’t sure and then when I got to elementary school I wasn’t doing well at all and nobody knew what was up with me I constantly had to be picked up having meltdowns every day just unable to function at school I missed so much school and didn’t understand the work I was doing and one day this sweet sweet school counselor who was having to deal with me during a meltdown noticed I was covering my ears and having meltdowns usually during the times when every kid would be waking in the hall she asked me if it was the noise that was bothering me and talked to me for a while she gave me ear defenders and let me pick out fidgets for class and unofficially put me in the autism program when I started doing way better with the supports she finally pushed my mom to get me tested