I am autistic and looking to do research on the statistics of autism diagnosis and the correlation of age if/when it’s received.
The CDC estimates that 2.1% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They also estimate 1 in 44 children are diagnosed. But the question I want to answer is… when?
At what age do autistic people get diagnosed? How prevalent is a late diagnosis and how late is a late diagnosis? How many of these adults have been diagnosed since childhood? This is what I hope to answer with my survey for autistic people.
Self-diagnosis is valid. This survey is for autistic people who received a clinical diagnosis AND people who have chosen to self-identify as autistic. If you are still questioning if you’re autistic or still on the journey for self-discovery, please know that you are valid and loved but this survey isn’t for you (yet).
You can also submit this survey on behalf of your autistic child(ren). If you are also autistic and want to answer for both of you or for multiple kids, please submit 1 form per person. All answers are anonymous.
This information will be published on my website and used in an upcoming talk I’m giving in May 2022 as part of Rep. Dan Miller’s Disability & Mental Health Summit. Thank you for your participation!
If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at Tessa@Just1Voice.com or PM me on Facebook.
About the Researcher
Tessa Watkins (they/them) is an autistic adult that received a clinical diagnosis in 2020 at the age of 29. They hold a Bachelor of Science and are certified in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Tessa works full-time as a professional programmer in the digital marketing industry with expertise in designing and developing user experiences in the digital space. They thrive in this industry because they are autistic, not despite it. Solving problems with technology is one of their special interests and since Tessa can hyperfocus on their work, this makes the solutions they develop innovative and fast. With a brain as amazing as that, who cares if they don’t make eye contact or stutter sometimes? People like Tessa are changing what professionalism can look like when ableism is dropped from its definition.
In their home life, Tessa is married and together they have a spirited toddler and two cats. Tessa’s partner, John D. Watkins, Ph.D., is the head of materials at ESTAT Actuation, a Pittsburgh robotics startup. In true autistic culture, Tessa and their family are primarily homebodies, preferring activities like playing video games, watching TV, and regulating their sensory health with climbing, swinging, running, dancing, and vocalizing all from their sensory-friendly home. Aside from spending time with family, Tessa relaxes with their hobbies with martial arts, painting, reading, and writing. Tessa’s latest special interest is social justice, especially for disability, mental health, and people of color. They volunteer with local grassroots organizations, lending their tech and UX knowledge, and have become more outspoken for these communities as a self-advocate and white ally.
Sources
- “Key Findings: CDC Releases First Estimates of the Number of Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States” (Apr. 27, 2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- “Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder” (Dec. 2, 2021) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Featured image by Ravindra Kumar on Scopio.
My 41 year old son is autistic, mentally challenged, and has extreme anxiety issues. He is unable to read nor write so I will be answering for him.
His name is [redacted] and he is quite social, has an excellent vocabulary, is healthy, and loves all outdoor activities.
I am an RN with a BSN and MS in social and emotional disabilities and MS in counseling. I worked as a School Nurse and preferred the exceptional schools. I then spent 30 years in psychiatry. I saw symptoms in my son appear before he was I week old! I really thought I had spent too long working with special needs. When he milestones were delayed I started taking him to specialists to rule out many diagnoses but I became more sure he was autistic. At age three I had the label put on him so he could get services. He is a dynamic man and I love him dearly. He does well in life but I wish something could help his anxiety.
I wish you well in your research and your personal life.
Thank you, Pam! My kiddo and I also struggle with anxiety. Avoiding triggers and using coping tools can only go so far if/when it’s extreme.