By Dr. Dominique M. Carson, LMP, MMP, H.C
As an adult, learning something new can be exciting and fulfilling. But what if you discovered something new about your health years later that finally puts all the puzzle pieces together? What if all those years of questioning your feelings, struggles to express yourself, or the hardship you felt assimilating in school, later revealed itself as Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world, communicate, conduct themselves, and interact with others. For decades, Autism was primarily associated with children, often identified in early school years when developmental delays, social challenges, or repetitive behaviors became noticeable.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people being diagnosed with Autism much later in life, sometimes in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or even older.
"For many adults, a late autism diagnosis provides a sense of clarity and relief, helping them understand lifelong challenges and embrace their neurodiversity," said Dr. Francesca Happé, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that between 2011 and 2022, autism diagnoses rose 175% overall in the U.S.—notably driven by a 450% increase among adults aged 26–34, and a 315% increase among adult females. The latest news is influenced by a variety of medical, cultural, environmental, and social factors that reflect both the evolution of autism understanding and the experiences of undiagnosed adults.
According to Happe, many adults are diagnosed with Autism later in life because they have learned to "mask" or camouflage their symptoms. This involves consciously suppressing traits associated with Autism to fit in with societal expectations.
Over the years, individuals may mimic social behaviors and adapt their communication styles, which can be mentally exhausting and lead to increased anxiety. They may also over-explain simple things to avoid appearing clueless to the world, timing their responses to avoid responding too quickly, ignoring background noises, or holding back their passions instead of being genuinely excited about their interests. As a result, the signs of Autism go unnoticed until more pronounced difficulties lead to an extensive evaluation, leaving many navigating a challenging world without a diagnosis for years.
Receiving an autism diagnosis later in life can stir a whirlwind of emotions and raise an eyebrow for some. While some may feel surprised or curious about the timing, for many, this moment can be truly transformative! It often brings a refreshing sense of validation, shedding light on the challenges they've faced over the years. Suddenly, feelings of being misunderstood or out of sync can start to make sense as individuals discover more about their neurodiversity and how it beautifully shapes their experiences and interactions.
Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Chrisette Michele shared in early summer 2025 that she was diagnosed with Level 2 autism at the age of 42. This late diagnosis, while initially surprising, brought a profound sense of relief and understanding. It was an awakening discovery that allowed her to remove the mask one live performance at a time. The 'A Couple of Forevers' singer is taking everything in stride, and all the challenges she has endured with learning and socializing with people in her life are starting to make sense. Michele mentioned her late diagnosis to bring reassurance and hope to those who may be in a similar situation.
Excitingly, efforts are underway to create support groups specifically for those diagnosed later in life! These nurturing communities are fostering connections and providing invaluable resources. Here, individuals can share their stories and experiences in a safe, understanding environment. With their diagnosis, many embrace their authentic selves with newfound clarity and confidence, proudly nurturing their identities in a world that sometimes may not fully understand them.
Consultant Anesthetist and Autism Advocate, Dr. Mary Doherty, shares her input on her autism diagnosis at the age of 45, and her new way of being. “I couldn’t do what I am doing if I wasn’t autistic. My intersectional position as a doctor, but also as an autistic woman gives me insight and access to both medical and autistic communities.
"As an autistic doctor, I faced significant challenges in disclosing my diagnosis due to career fears. A late diagnosis can be both a revelation and a challenge, requiring adjustments in self-perception and professional identity," Doherty told The Times Magazine. "The message that it's possible to be autistic and thrive is the message autistic people need to hear."
This acknowledgment opens doors for individuals to embark on their journeys of personal development, acceptance, and support, and to engage with a vibrant community that genuinely connects with their experiences following an autism diagnosis. We, as a community, can honor their distinct journeys and their exceptional contributions to the world!
To learn more about late autism diagnosis visit: www.health.Harvard.edu/, AutismSpeaks.org,
and the National Institutes of Health