Late onset of symptoms - is this possible?

Hi, I'm certainly no expert, but my daughter was diagnosed with ASD at 14. Much as your daughter, she had a circle of friends and multiple hobbies outside of school - mainly creative (drama, dance, singing etc). The only indication I might have had during my daughter's developmental years (but post 3) was that she was 'a highly sensitive child' and sometimes displayed an extreme behavioural response to relatively minor issues. My daughter's issues became unmanageable when she transitioned to High School from Middle School at 13. She became very anxious in her new school, didn't feel safe, couldn't concentrate in classes and quite quickly found it difficult to attend at all. My daughter also received counselling, but with Younger Mind for 9 months. The School Nurse suggested it would be beneficial for my daughter to see a peadiatrician 'to rule out any underlying condition', she was however diagnosed with ASD almost straight away. To me as a Mum, 18 months later, I see that the diagnosis sometimes fits my daughter but also confuses me when it doesn't. I currently Home School my daughter and as her anxiety deteriorated after she was discharged from counselling and she is about to start CBT at CAMHS after a 7 month wait. My parents and friends still don't reallly believe my daughter's diagnosis, but as I was told on an Autism course I recently attended as a professional myself, no two children with ASC will present in the same way...they are, as we all, are unique. I dont know if this helps at all? I am still very much floundering myself! Whatever the outcome regarding the ASD diagnosis, I hope your daughter is able to overcome her mental health issues, I understand how totally devastating it is to see your child suffer in this way.

Hi, I'm certainly no expert, but my daughter was diagnosed with ASD at 14. Much as your daughter, she had a circle of friends and multiple hobbies outside of school - mainly creative (drama, dance, singing etc). The only indication I might have had during my daughter's developmental years (but post 3) was that she was 'a highly sensitive child' and sometimes displayed an extreme behavioural response to relatively minor issues. My daughter's issues became unmanageable when she transitioned to High School from Middle School at 13. She became very anxious in her new school, didn't feel safe, couldn't concentrate in classes and quite quickly found it difficult to attend at all. My daughter also received counselling, but with Younger Mind for 9 months. The School Nurse suggested it would be beneficial for my daughter to see a peadiatrician 'to rule out any underlying condition', she was however diagnosed with ASD almost straight away. To me as a Mum, 18 months later, I see that the diagnosis sometimes fits my daughter but also confuses me when it doesn't. I currently Home School my daughter and as her anxiety deteriorated after she was discharged from counselling and she is about to start CBT at CAMHS after a 7 month wait. My parents and friends still don't reallly believe my daughter's diagnosis, but as I was told on an Autism course I recently attended as a professional myself, no two children with ASC will present in the same way...they are, as we all, are unique. I dont know if this helps at all? I am still very much floundering myself! Whatever the outcome regarding the ASD diagnosis, I hope your daughter is able to overcome her mental health issues, I understand how totally devastating it is to see your child suffer in this way.