Autism and other experiences
The autistic experience is complicated by individual differences:
- Disability: Some autistic people identify as having one or multiple disabilities, while others do not.
- Race: Autistic people of color often do not get an early childhood autism diagnosis.
- Gender: Gender affects whether autism is recognized, overlooked, misdiagnosed, and, if diagnosed, at what age.
- Gender identity: Autistic people are 6x more likely to identify as non-binary, gender fluid or transgender.1
- Culture and religion: Some cultures and religions may have different explanations for autism.
- Language: Autism may be missed in people who do not speak English as their first language.
Accepting and recognizing self-diagnosed autistic people is important.
Having a diagnosis is a privilege many people do not have.