I can see quite much disagreement around the spectrum. There are people, who say that autistic people with lower support needs shouldn't be actually diagnosed with autism. There are people, who get angry, that their diagnosis is not being taken seriously anymore. There are people, who get diagnosed just to have the information/ confirmation of their experience. (And its fine) I think, that it's not only about their lives. The more late diagnosed autistic people, the more insights into the possible future of autistic children. It's always being talked about autistic children, but very little about adults. I myself found another reason, to go through the process. Half year ago, I also shared that story here, my daughters teacher in nursery approached me and asked me if I would like to share my experience with one family, who's son is probably autistic. I told her I'm also only probably autistic, it's not sure yet. But I agreed. I described my early development, which turned out to be very similar to that boy's, my difficulties at school. I prepared that carefully, to not make my story dramatic, but useful instead. The boy got already diagnosed, I'm awaiting assessment. His mom, who I talked to, expressed her gratitude for sharing my story and lending her a book about autism. So I think that late diagnosed or recognised people are not problematic (as many say) instead, they can help families to prepare and understand their autistic children better.
When it comes to disagreements around the "what is autism and what's not" I can only say- it's duty of professionals, who work on it, to categorise this or that condition. For me the most Important thing is having proper diagnosis, that describes my difficulties correctly. I used to be misdiagnosed multiple times in my life and also mistreated. I think that the spectrum with levels of support needs make a lot if sense, especially because there are many people, who tick the same list of symptoms, but their needs change throughout their lives, and autism is a life long condition.
If anyone has any thoughts about this topic, can share them with me.
