The Wall Street Journal article "A Late Autism Diagnosis Changed Their Lives" explores how receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be transformative. Many adults, often women or people of color, are only now being diagnosed after years of masking symptoms or being misdiagnosed. The article highlights personal stories of individuals who found clarity, self-acceptance, and a sense of community after their diagnosis. It also discusses the emotional complexity of late diagnoses—relief at understanding oneself better, but also grief over missed support and opportunities earlier in life. The piece underscores the growing recognition of autism’s diverse presentations and the importance of inclusive diagnostic practices.
May 28, 2025 8:00 pm ET
May 25, 2025 5:30 am ET
The Wall Street Journal article titled "More Adults Than Ever Are Living With Autism in the U.S." explores the rising number of adult autism diagnoses, attributing the trend to increased awareness, evolving diagnostic criteria, and reduced stigma. Many adults, especially women and people of color who were previously overlooked, are now being diagnosed later in life after years of struggling with undiagnosed symptoms. The article highlights how social media, self-advocacy, and better access to mental health services are empowering individuals to seek evaluations. It also discusses the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis in adulthood, which can bring both relief and a sense of loss over missed support earlier in life.
July 11, 2024
The New York Times article "Employees With Autism Are Learning to Navigate the Workplace" discusses how more adults diagnosed with autism are entering the workforce and adapting to professional environments. It highlights the challenges they face—such as sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and navigating unspoken social norms—as well as the strategies and accommodations that help them thrive. The piece features personal stories of individuals who found clarity and empowerment through diagnosis and support, and it emphasizes the importance of inclusive workplaces that recognize neurodiverse strengths.
Article Summaries
Masking and Camouflaging
- The Costs of Camouflaging Autism
- Women with Autism Hide Complex Struggles Behind Masks
- Some Autism Traits May Show Up Later in Girls Than In Boys
- Adolescence Unmasks Autism Traits in Girls
- New Method Aims to Quantify Camouflaging in Autism
- Young Woman with Autism Asks: “Am I So Different?”
Social Skills and Friendship
- Autistic Girls, Boys Differ In How They Talk About Social Groups
- Friendships Pose Unique Challenges for Women on the Spectrum
- Use of Certain Social Strategies Linked to Anxiety in Autism
- For Autistic Children, Emotional Problems May Hinder Social Success
- Girls With Autism Need Help Honing Social Skills in Realistic Settings
- Quarantine May Hit Autistic Women and Children Hardest
Repetitive Behaviors
- Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Show Sex Bias Early in Life
- School Program Makes Inroads Into Acceptance of Autism
Eating Disorders
- Girls with Autism May Stop Eating to Blunt Social Pain
- Food Fight
- Anorexia’s Link to Autism Explained
- The Invisible Link Between Autism and Anorexia
- Autism Traits in Childhood Linked to Eating Disorders in Adolescence
Transgender
- Focus on Autism Must Broaden to Include Non-Binary Genders
- Living Between Genders
- Why We Need to Respect Sexual Orientation, Gender Diversity in Autism
- Largest Study to Date Confirms Overlap Between Autism and Gender Diversity
Blogs
- Females and Autism/Aspergers: A Checklist
- Unusual: A Reflection on My School Days as an Unidentified Autistic
- Everyday Autistic
- Musings of an Aspie
General Resources
- Welcome to the Autistic Community
- Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
- Autism and Race
- DSM-5 ASD: Guidelines and Criteria Exemplars
Online Tests/Self-Diagnosis
- Autism Spectrum Quotient
- Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale – Revised (RAADS-R)
- Females with Asperger’s Syndrome (Non-Official) Checklist
- An Autism Self-Diagnosis Masterpost
- Adult ASD: Self-Diagnosis or Professional Diagnosis
Popular Media
- How a tour pro’s autism diagnosis led to my own · By Joel Beall June 30, 2021
- Billy Mayfair Reveals Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis · By Stephanie Apstein April 21, 2021