How I Got My Autism Diagnosis As An Adult

There is not nearly enough time to begin to explain the multiple ways that
intersections impact seeking or not seeking a diagnosis. And I can only
provide my experience of how I got a diagnosis, and the privileges involved in that as well as what I have learned from other Autistics. #actuallyautistic #neurodivergentcostumer #autisticadult

I hope this is seen as a jumping off point for a much larger conversation that needs to be had: how do we not only support Autistic people at all, but how do we make sure we are making it safe to even be Autistic or claim support for those who face medical racism and just plain racism in society? For those who have no choice but to mask? For those who can't mask? For those who are non speaking? For those who are not able to "hide" Autism and those who have little to no autonomy in facilities?

These are some of the creators who educate and I have learned from about the impacts of racism on diagnosis and the cultural and experiential differences of the Autistic journey for POC:

On Instagram:

fidgets.and.fries
asiatu.coach
lafilledani
creatrixtiara
autieoddity
joris.lechene
215.naia_b

00:00 Neurodivergent, Actually
00:23 Why Am I Talking About My Diagnosis
01:23 Diagnosis is Complicated and Nuanced
06:04 How Sterotypes Prevent Diagnosis
07:23 Listen to Actually Autistic People
10:06 Challenging Internalized Ableism
12:34 Finding an Autistic Therapist
15:28 Assessment Experience
21:16 After Diagnosis: What Now?
22:18 Is Autism A Disability?
24:30 Did Getting A Diagnosis Get Me Anything?
26:32 Why Knowing Still Matters

I understand if you have different opinions about ABA, but do not bring that
debate to this space. I fully acknowledge that ABA is the most readily available "help" offered by this world, and that's a problem. We need more actually autistic-based supports
that are accessible to all so ABA does not need to be the only way we are "supported". That is not a parent's fault. It is a systemic problem.

I know there were probably mistakes in this, and I am still learning. I know there will be other opinions, and that is ok. However, please be respectful. I reserve the right to delete posts that are not respectful.

https://neuroclastic.com/on-using-non...

Racial Disparities in Diagnosis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/r...

"Racism is a public health emergency of global
concern": https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journa...

Electro Shock therapy is still used on Autistics in some facilities: https://autisticadvocacy.org/stopthes...