I get so frustrated when I read of a late assessment for autism at age 20. Of course I am relieved whenever anyone finds out, but there is so much of life you regret you are unable to change at 40 and beyond.

The topic of What is #LateDiagnosis has come up on Twitter so I’ve drafted my own framework. I admit to my privilege of being a white, middle class person in a country where autism is better recognized.  If I were a woman of colour in a rural area or third-world country, assessment would be unobtainable.

Researching autistic people. Nearly all research looks at children (most male, white, from 'first world' countries), or teenagers (likewise). No wonder we've not understood autism, & produce misleading data. We're as likely to be middle aged/older, of all ethnicities & genders. pic.twitter.com/2wG1kSO76J

— Ann Memmott PGC (@AnnMemmott) February 28, 2019

WHAT IS #LateDiagnosis ?

Age 7 Late diagnosis for a boy; typical to early for a girl
Age 12-17 Late for a girl; very late for a boy
Age 18-20 Sadly late for school help, but person largely avoids ABA

Age 25 Frustratingly late—too late to qualify for employment/transition services
Age 30 Intolerably late adult diagnosis; usually after breakdown and/or several misdiagnoses
Age 40 Bewilderingly late; usually after child diagnosed.  Childless go undetected
Age 50 Painfully late—at expense of relationships and mental health
Age 60 Tragically late—sometimes due to a grandchild.  Could have explained your life
Age 70 Appallingly late—mask is now firmly in place
Age 80+ Unfathomably late: diagnosis may not matter—mask goes back on in care homes

A recent and rare research paper on the topic.  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21642850.2019.1684920

Part One of Two.