Do Autistic People Know They're Autistic? The Truth Revealed

Honestly, it's a question that’s been on my mind for a while. Do autistic people actually know they're autistic? It’s a topic that can get surprisingly complex. You might think it’s an obvious answer, but trust me, it’s not always that clear-cut. I mean, think about it – some people go their entire lives not knowing, while others figure it out early on. So, what gives?

Let’s break it down and explore the different perspectives on whether autistic people know they’re autistic, the factors involved, and the personal experiences that shape their understanding of themselves.

The Awareness Journey: Do They Know from the Start?

Well, here's the thing: not every autistic person knows from the get-go. In fact, many people, especially those who are diagnosed later in life, often have no clue until adulthood. I’ve had conversations with friends who were diagnosed as adults, and it was mind-blowing to hear how much of their life made sense after getting that diagnosis. It’s like a lightbulb moment – they finally understood the why behind their behaviors and experiences.

Early Diagnosis vs. Later Diagnosis

If you’re diagnosed as a child, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve grown up with the awareness of being autistic. It becomes part of your identity from an early age. I know a few people who’ve been diagnosed young, and while it didn’t solve all their struggles, it did give them an important framework for understanding themselves. But for adults, especially those who didn’t have the privilege of early diagnosis, it can be a different story.

For many, the diagnosis comes after years of confusion, feeling different, and struggling in social situations. It’s a tough realization sometimes. I remember talking to a colleague who was in his 30s when he was diagnosed, and he told me that he felt like he had spent his whole life "faking it" in social settings, never quite understanding why he didn’t fit in.

Understanding the Spectrum of Awareness

You might be wondering, Why doesn’t everyone know they’re autistic? The answer lies in the spectrum itself. Autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all label, and the level of awareness can vary dramatically from person to person.

High-Functioning vs. Low-Functioning Autism

The way an autistic person experiences their identity can also be influenced by where they fall on the spectrum. Those with "high-functioning" autism (a term now being phased out) might have a better understanding of their condition, but they still face challenges. They may struggle with social cues, sensory overload, and more, but their cognitive abilities might allow them to work through those challenges in different ways.

On the other hand, someone with "low-functioning" autism (again, a label that’s debated) might have a harder time understanding why they behave differently. For some, the diagnosis is a lifeline that explains behaviors they've never been able to articulate.

Social and Sensory Differences

Honestly, sensory issues alone can be a major clue for an autistic person, but they might not always link it to autism right away. I remember one time, a friend of mine was struggling with loud noises in a café and couldn’t understand why it was bothering him so much. He hadn’t been diagnosed yet and just thought he was overly sensitive. It wasn’t until later that he learned about sensory processing disorder, which is common in autism, and everything clicked into place for him.

How the Environment Influences Awareness

The environment and support systems around an autistic person play a huge role in their self-awareness. If you’re surrounded by people who understand and accept autism, you’re more likely to come to terms with it early. But in environments where autism is stigmatized or misunderstood, it can take longer for an individual to even realize that their experiences are part of a larger pattern.

Support Systems and Autism Awareness

A while back, I spoke to a parent whose child had just been diagnosed with autism, and she mentioned how important it was to have a community that understood autism. It was easier for her child to come to terms with their diagnosis, because they had people around them who had similar experiences. That support made all the difference.

But for many, particularly those without strong support systems, the realization might be much later, after years of trying to fit into a world that didn’t understand their differences.

The Emotional Impact of Self-Awareness

Here’s the thing: realizing that you’re autistic can be an emotional rollercoaster. It can be relieving, confusing, or even overwhelming. I know someone who cried when they were diagnosed in their 40s, not because they were sad, but because they felt finally seen. On the flip side, others may feel like they’ve lost years of their life trying to figure out why they never fit in.

Navigating the Journey of Self-Discovery

The journey toward understanding can be tricky. Sometimes, the diagnosis isn’t an instant fix. It doesn’t make every challenge go away overnight. But, knowing what’s behind your experiences can help a person make sense of their life in a way that feels empowering. It's like finally finding the missing puzzle piece.

What Does It Mean to Be Autistic?

Honestly, this is another layer to the whole conversation. When someone realizes they’re autistic, it’s not just about knowing what they are, it’s about understanding who they are. Autism doesn’t define a person, but it certainly shapes how they experience the world. For some, autism might be something they embrace with pride; for others, it’s a part of themselves that they’re still learning to accept.

Personal Identity and Autism

I had a conversation with an autistic friend recently, and they said something that stuck with me: “Being autistic is just one part of who I am. It’s like a part of my lens through which I see the world, but it doesn’t define everything about me.” That really hit home for me – autism is a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

Conclusion: Do Autistic People Know They're Autistic?

So, to answer the question: it depends. For some, the knowledge of being autistic is something they’ve known for a long time. For others, it’s a revelation that comes later in life, and the journey to self-awareness can be as varied as the individuals themselves. One thing’s for sure, though: knowing you're autistic can be a huge part of understanding yourself better and embracing your unique way of navigating the world. It’s a journey, not a destination.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.