Navigating Adult Life

"Nobody gave me a manual for being an autistic adult. So I had to write my own." — Late-diagnosed autistic adult

The Reality

Adult life as an autistic person can be harder than it needs to be—not because of autism, but because the world wasn't designed with us in mind.

What makes it hard: Workplaces built for NT communication, social expectations that don't fit, years of masking catching up.

What makes it possible: Self-understanding, finding your people, building life on YOUR terms.

Autistic Identity & Pride

"The day I stopped seeing autism as something wrong with me and started seeing it as a different way of being—that's when my life actually began." — Late-diagnosed autistic adult

A positive autistic identity is linked to better mental health and wellbeing. What helps: acceptance from others, connection with autistic community, and validation.

Autistic Pride: June 18 is Autistic Pride Day. Core principles: Nothing about us without us. Difference, not deficit. Acceptance over cure.

Key Topics

Work & Career — Finding jobs that fit, disclosure decisions. See Employment.

Relationships — Deep, fulfilling relationships—they just look different. See Relationships.

Late Diagnosis — Relief, grief, reframing, rebuilding. See Late Diagnosis.

Women & AFAB — Different presentation, often missed. See Women & Autism.

Healthcare — Getting proper care when doctors don't understand. See Medical & Healthcare.

Adult life can actually get BETTER. Many report improvement as they understand themselves, find fitting environments, and connect with community.