Exploring Autistic Identity
If you have found yourself on this page, you might be wondering if you, your child or a loved one could be autistic. Or you might simply be looking for more information about autism. If you want to find out more, please visit our page on “What is Autism”.
Exploring autistic identity is a personal and ongoing process that constantly evolves over time. It is the practice of developing a deep rooted understanding of autism and how it shapes a sense of self. This could look like self-exploration and research through things like reading, writing, tik tok, YouTube, or reflecting on individual experiences and looking at them through an autistic lens. It can also look like speaking with friends and family or even connecting with the wider autistic community.
There is no right way of exploring autistic identity. Along the way, there might be moments of uncertainty that bring aspects of it into question, just as there will be others that offer clarity. This is what makes the journey so personal and unique to each individual. Autistic identity is not a destination, it’s an ongoing journey that should unfold at the person’s own pace and in in their own way.
Questioning Identity
Some people might find themselves questioning their own identity or the identity of someone else and whether they think they might be autistic. This could be the result of someone broaching the subject with them, or it might be through self-exploration or reflections around their own personal experiences.
Self-Identify
Some people may identify themselves or their child as autistic without a formal clinical assessment or diagnosis. This is referred to asself-identification self-diagnosis. Within the autistic community there is growing recognition and acceptance around self-identification, particularly as access to diagnosis becomes more challenging. There are a number of reasons why a person might self–identify. For some, clarification by way of formal clinical assessment is not something they feel is necessary, and for others the barriers to assessment make it too stressful to pursue.
Waiting for an Assessment
For those who do decide to seek an autism assessment, long waiting lists can feel like a time of uncertainty and limbo, and can feed into doubts around identity. While waiting for an assessment, some people might choose to self-identify, and others could feel they need a formal clinical assessment and diagnosis before feeling able to identify as autistic. There is no right approach and every experience is valid.
Post Diagnosis
Even if a person successfully accesses an autism assessment and it results in a formal diagnosis, this is not the end of identity exploration. Arguably, it is the beginning. Diagnosis can open the door to a lifetime of learning about yourself or your loved one, and naturally, as people grow and develop, their needs change over time. Exploring autistic identity is a lifelong journey that will look different for every person.
“Acceptance to just take me where I am, it has made it much easier to accept myself and carry on this journey.”
Wherever you maybe on this journey of exploration, as an individual or family, Scottish Autism can provide advice, support and guidance through our community advice services. A formal diagnosis is not required to access this support.