The Beneficial Impact of a Late Diagnosis of ASD

A Colorado Film School alumni, Scott Klumb, of Boulder, Colorado, is the owner of SMK Media. Working out of Boulder, CO, Scott Klumb has produced documentary movies such as Autism: One Man’s Journey, which depicts his personal journey as a late diagnosed Autistic Adult and the challenges he faced prior to his diagnosis.

Living on the autism spectrum can be extremely challenging, and being diagnosed with Autism in adulthood can be even more difficult, as people often spend the first part of their life without understanding why they feel different or are perceived as difficult. A recent study reported in Psychology Today showcases that people who were diagnosed late with ASD often spent most of their lives feeling alienated and isolated, without understanding why they did not fit in with other people. Receiving an Autism diagnosis early in life gives people an opportunity to better understand themselves, develop positive coping skills and learn how to live a meaningful life with ASD.

The people that participated in the study revealed that they were relieved to finally be diagnosed with ASD, as they now had a framework to better understand themselves and take more control over their lives. The late diagnosis also proved beneficial for most people, as they could begin to understand that they were not difficult or broken people but simply and proudly Autistic.