10 Experiences Autistic People Rarely Encounter: Imposter Syndrome & Late Diagnosis

Late diagnosed autistic people battling with imposter syndrome often face invalidation and gaslighting from friends, family, and healthcare practitioners. Their internalized ableism and identity crisis add to their feeling of being a fraud. But they don’t usually experience being social butterflies, not being bullied, loving socializing, natural speech, lack of stimming, environmental triggers, many hobbies, being adaptable, easy task switching, and never masking their true selves. So, the impostor syndrome should be ditched! 🦋

Autistic people often experience imposter syndrome, but there are many things that they do not experience. In this article, we will explore 10 things that late diagnosed autistic people do not experience and how to navigate late autism.🧩

Understanding Imposter Syndrome 🌪️

Imposter syndrome is a sense of self-doubt and doubting one’s intellect, skills, or accomplishments, despite verifiable and objective evidence. Late diagnosed autistic people often experience this due to invalidation, external pressure, and internalized ableism.🥼

Reasons for Imposter Syndrome in Late Diagnosed Autistic People 🤔

1. Gaslighting and Invalidation: Late diagnosed autistic individuals often face gaslighting and invalidation from various people including family, friends, healthcare practitioners, employers, and educators.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
2. Masking Skills: Autistic individuals learn to mask their true selves, developing a specific set of skills that can lead to feelings of fraud.🎭
3. Internalized Ableism: Late diagnosed autistic individuals often hold themselves to unrealistic standards due to internalized ableism.🤦🤷
4. Identity Crisis: The diagnosis of autism later in life can lead to an identity crisis, creating feelings of uncertainty and questioning one’s sense of self.🔍

10 Things Autistic People DON’T Experience 🧠

1. Social Success 🤝

Autistic individuals often find it challenging to make and maintain friendships due to social difficulties. Bullying, harassment, and ostracization are common experiences, further distancing them from the idea of social success.🤼🙅‍♂️

2. Bullying and Ostracization 🚫

Autistic people are often targeted and discriminated against. Feelings of acceptance and comfort among peers are rare and can lead to increased feelings of impostor syndrome.🤕

3. Love for Socializing 🥳

Autistic individuals might find social situations overwhelming and might not experience the joy of socializing. Their social interactions might be influenced by environmental factors and sensory challenges.😓

4. Natural Speech 🗣️

Autistic people can exhibit speech patterns that differ from neurotypical individuals, often characterized by variations in pace, volume, repetitiveness, and word choices.🗨️

5. Stimming 🌈

Stimming, which is essential for self-regulation, is a common practice among autistic individuals. Not engaging in stimming might not be the experience of a late diagnosed autistic person.😌

6. Environmental Triggers 🚨

Autistic people can be hypersensitive to sounds, smells, lights, and other environmental triggers that can cause sensory overload. Not experiencing these triggers is rare for autistic people.❌

7. Hobbies and Interests 🎭

Autistic people often have intense interests and passions, which might not align with the idea of having varied hobbies and interests.💡

8. Adaptability 🔄

Autistic individuals often struggle with change and find it difficult to adapt to new situations. Being naturally relaxed and adaptable is not a common experience for them.⏲️

9. Transitioning Between Tasks 🔄

Autistic people often struggle with transitioning between tasks, often experiencing a sense of inertia. Easily switching tasks might not be a familiar experience for late diagnosed autistic individuals.🔀

10. Masking Self 🎭

Autistic individuals often feel the need to mask their true selves due to fear of rejection, bullying, and discrimination. Not feeling the need to mask might not align with the experiences of autistic people.👤

The experience of late autism can be complex and challenging. Understanding these unique experiences and differences is essential for providing validation and support to late diagnosed autistic individuals. For more information on navigating late autism, you can watch the video "Unmasking after a Late Autism Diagnosis: Embracing Authenticity."🌟

In conclusion, it is crucial to recognize the distinct experiences of late diagnosed autistic individuals and their inherent challenges. By understanding their perspectives, we can provide empathy and support, fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding for individuals with late autism diagnoses. Additionally, it is important to remain informed and considerate when interacting with late diagnosed autistic individuals, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.🌈

Key Takeaways:

• Autistic people experience distinct challenges due to late diagnosis, including impostor syndrome and unique social interactions.
• Validating the experiences of late diagnosed autistic individuals is essential for fostering a culture of understanding and empathy.
• Navigating late autism can be complex, and it is important to embrace authenticity and diverse perspectives within the autistic community.🧩🌟

FAQ:
Q: What are some common social challenges faced by late diagnosed autistic individuals?
A: Late diagnosed autistic individuals often experience difficulties with social success, bullying, sensory issues, and adaptation to change.
Q: How can we support late diagnosed autistic individuals in navigating impostor syndrome?
A: Providing validation, understanding, and empathy are crucial in supporting late diagnosed autistic individuals in overcoming impostor syndrome and embracing their unique identity.