Identity and self-understanding

Your autistic identity is yours to define. Some autistic people:

• Were diagnosed as children
• Were diagnosed as adults
• Haven't been diagnosed but recognise themselves as autistic
• Have always known, or known for a long time that they're autistic
• Are still figuring out what it means to be autistic
• Have other identities (cultural, gender, sexuality) that intersect with being autistic

All of these experiences are valid. Regardless of how you learned that you were autistic, the most important thing is understanding yourself well enough to know what you need to succeed.

🔎 Case Study/Research Tip

Research by Gibbs et al. (2024) found that some autistic students enjoy learning and working with other students in busy, interactive spaces. On the other hand, some autistic students say they learn better in quieter, less crowded environments. There's no single "right" way to be an autistic student!

💡 Reflection Question

What does being autistic mean to you?

What is your autistic identity?

How do you describe your autistic experience?