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Introduction: Embracing the Unseen Struggles
In the realm of human experience, there exists a tapestry of emotions, thoughts, and challenges. Among these, the journey of late autism diagnosis in females is a narrative that often remains concealed beneath layers of societal expectations and personal struggles. This article delves into the profound emotional landscape of autism in females, exploring the trajectory of late diagnoses and the burnouts that accompany them.
The Hidden Spectrum: Understanding Autism in Females
Autism, often perceived as a stereotypical "male" condition, carries its own unique shades when it comes to females. The spectrum encompasses a multitude of traits, making it a challenge to recognize in women and girls. As I recall my totally being 'normal' untill I can not cope anylonger... I have diffilculty in switiching gears, I need more time to reflect on things as I feel something is off, but then the timing is totally off to react, I totally am focussed on what is expected of me instead of what do I feel and want, but as a girl it was totally 'normal' to be a very compliant and not conflictseeking child. But the other side of it was that I could get easily get overwhelmed not understanding why things happened or that I needed to fix things cause I could despite of the lack of energy and I would get even more emotionally drained. A total wornout.
Breaking Stereotypes
The first step in addressing this issue is to debunk the stereotypes surrounding autism. Contrary to popular belief, females can exhibit profound autistic traits, but these often go unnoticed or are misattributed to other factors.
Late Diagnosis: Unearthing the Truth
The Masking Phenomenon
One of the reasons behind late autism diagnosis in females is the "masking" phenomenon. Many females on the spectrum learn to camouflage their autistic traits to fit into society, which can delay diagnosis until adulthood. Yes, I believe this is so true that I do not even know what the unmasked me is anymore. Girls especially are too good in adapting. I was trained to behave on my socially best and the last years my husband says also that I become more myself then even now I have diffilculty to think what I am supposed to do next if I am alone or that I have to consciencely give my feeling attention to figure out what is the best way to go. But with practice it goes more smoothly.
A Lifelong Quest for Identity
Late-diagnosed females often find themselves on a unique journey of self-discovery. They grapple with questions about identity, wondering who they truly are beneath the layers of societal expectations. This is very complex and almost too big to grasp for me. What is the identity exactly? I always thoughed I would be a very different person if I would have grown up in a Hippy-family. More freedom and go with the flow, taking stands and doing your own thing. Knowing from within more in practicing your daily tasks. In my ideal world I would live in a cabin with just some stuff to create pictures or build sculptures, something like that. Just be more one with nature and be in peace with all. All the buzz and fuzz and uglyness in the world I never did and still do not really understand. Just be kind to one another...
Life is like a croissant, it is layered.
You have to eat it, to feel it consistency.
Navigating the Shadows of Burnout
The Perils of Overstimulation
Autism, while a beautiful aspect of one's identity, can also bring the challenge of sensory sensitivity. Late-diagnosed females may face recurrent burnouts due to sensory overload. From the first burnout untill my last one I always was perplexed. I did not understand why and what was exactly happening. All the things expected from me I did, so why could I not continue? The emotional world I did not really know was unfolding. It took me more then a decade to make sense of it and I still am learning about bodily sensory stimulations, acknowledging emotions, grasping your thoughts, listening to your body as a whole. At this moment I am working on a visually signal plan, so I can hang it in vision to remember myself to regulate my nervoussystem. When I have it ready I will post it on the site.
Emotional Burnout: The Hidden Struggles
Emotional burnout is another shadowy realm late-diagnosed females often navigate. The effort required to maintain a "neurotypical" facade can be emotionally exhausting. The mind is really different constructed. I learned that in the development of childhood the neurons normally are pruned so more highways in the brain are formed. With neurodiversity there are all these small pathways that did not dissolve so the brain is super associative but on the other hand for daily tasks or conversations sometimes slower. It costs more energy to do the same task or thinking process. But the most beautiful feature I believe is the 'extra' creative field that is still in tact. This is a capacity to cherish. Only in case of emotionally processing things and difficult emotions it costs autistic people a lot of energy and it takes a lot longer. I recently got through a therapeutic session which broughed a lot to the surface and it took months to recover in an extend that I could reasonable can do some normal tasks during the day. It is really suffering emotionally, cause of the configuration but extra cause of not having it learned in an environment where emotions were not in the equation.
The Healing Journey: Embracing Individuality
Finding Acceptance
Embracing one's neurodiversity is a crucial step towards healing. Acceptance allows late-diagnosed females to shed the societal mask and be authentically themselves. I really love this conclusion, cause finally you get the diagnoses and you still are totally normal in your own universe. That is reason to celebrate, but also to reevaluate everything what is going on in your live, what your daily choices are, what are your current routines etc. It is a lot!
Building a Supportive Network
The journey becomes less daunting when one has a support system. Building connections with others who share similar experiences can be immensely therapeutic. The supportsystem in the Netherlands is good, but although it took for me till the pandemic when I got Alopecia Areata and lateron my fourth emotional burnout, it takes your own determination to get help and to come to the right place. After last years traumatherapy, I was referred for the autism-diagnostic trajectory and although a lot is fragmentared in the healthcare it still is your own healingjourney towards your innerself. What I wanted to address is that despite all the help you have to figure and puzzle all the pieces together so that you find your own innerpiece. In the Netherlands a pilot is started to help autistic people lifelong with a kind of buddy. I never thoughed I would need that, but I think it can be very helpful now for when I can not cope or to release my familymembers with the emotional support. If you are looking for this kind of help, you find more information here: https://www.vanuitautismebekeken.nl/
Conclusion: Embracing the Light Within
In the world of late autism diagnosis in females, the path may be fraught with challenges and shadows, but it is also illuminated by resilience and the strength to be one's authentic self. The healing journey is a personal odyssey, but it is one that can lead to a brighter, more fulfilling life.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of late autism diagnosis in females?
Late diagnosis is significant as it highlights the often-overlooked struggles of females on the autism spectrum and underscores the need for increased awareness and support.
2. Can late-diagnosed females lead fulfilling lives?
Absolutely. Late-diagnosed females can lead rich, fulfilling lives once they embrace their true selves and receive the support they need.
3. How can I support a late-diagnosed female with autism?
Offer understanding, patience, and a listening ear. Encourage them to seek professional guidance if needed and connect them with support groups.
4. Is it possible to prevent burnout in late-diagnosed females?
While burnout may still occur, understanding and managing sensory sensitivities and emotional challenges can help mitigate its impact.
5. Where can I find more information and resources on late autism diagnosis in females?
For additional information and resources, please visit https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/autistic-women-and-girls or for the Netherlands https://www.autismespectrumcentrum.nl/wat-is-autisme/vrouwen-met-autisme or https://www.fann-autisme.nl/informatie/informatie-ass-bij-meisjes-vrouwen/
In the midst of the journey through late autism diagnosis, let us remember that every individual, regardless of their timing or trajectory, has the potential to shine brightly, like stars breaking through the darkest of nights.
Go and see the Dutch documentary of Isabelle Renate la Poutré Inside Aut
AIPRM - ChatGPT Prompts plus my own experience and knowledge 😊!
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