When most people think of autism, they picture children and adults who are unable to communicate and interact with others. But there is a form of autism that is far less obvious: masked autism.
People with masked autism are often described as high-functioning and may not be diagnosed until later in life. They may have trouble with social interactions and may be sensitive to loud noises or bright lights. But they are often able to disguise these symptoms in order to fit in.
Masked autism is often not diagnosed until adulthood, when symptoms may become more difficult to hide. If you think you or someone you know may have masked autism, it’s important to seek out a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference in the life of someone with autism.
Undiagnosed Autism
It’s estimated that only about one third of people with autism receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. That means there are a lot of people living with undiagnosed autism.
There are many reasons why someone might not receive a diagnosis of autism. One reason is that the symptoms of autism can be very subtle. Many people with mild autism are never diagnosed because they don’t fit the “classic” autism profile.
Another reason why people with autism may not be diagnosed is that they may not have access to adequate medical care. In many parts of the world, autism is still largely unknown and misunderstood. Families may not even realize that their loved one has autism.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have autism, it’s important to seek out professional help. A diagnosis can be life-changing, and it can open up access to vital resources and support. If you’re not sure where to start, you can contact your local Autism Society or look for a qualified autism specialist in your area.
Masking Autism
Masking symptoms of autism refers to the camouflaging of autistic traits in order to fit in with neurotypical peers. This may include suppressing repetitive behaviors, avoiding eye contact, or pretending to be interested in things that they do not care about. Some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are able to mask their symptoms effectively, while others find it difficult or impossible to do so.
The reasons why people with ASD might mask their symptoms are varied. Some want to fit in and be accepted by their peers, while others may feel that they need to do so in order to function in the workplace. Still others may not be aware that they are autistic and so they mask their symptoms in order to seem “normal.”
Masking symptoms can be detrimental to people with ASD in several ways. First, it can be exhausting and lead to burnout. Second, it can cause social isolation as people with ASD may distance themselves from others in order to avoid being exposed as autistic. Finally, masking can lead to feelings of shame and self-loathing as people with ASD may come to believe that there is something wrong with them that needs to be hidden.
If you are autistic and struggling to mask your symptoms, it is important to reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you, including therapy, support groups, and online communities. Remember that you are not alone and that there is nothing wrong with being autistic.
Economic barriers to diagnosing autism
Although ASD can be diagnosed in children as young as 18 months old, the average age of diagnosis is four years old.
There are many economic barriers to diagnosing autism. One of the biggest barriers is the lack of insurance coverage for ASD screenings and diagnosis. In the United States, insurance companies are not required to cover ASD diagnosis or treatment. This means that families have to pay out-of-pocket for any ASD-related services, which can be very expensive.
Another economic barrier to diagnosing autism is the lack of access to resources and trained professionals. Many areas of the country do not have any autism specialists or qualified therapists. This can make it very difficult for families to get an accurate diagnosis and receive the proper treatment for their child.
Finally, the cost of ASD treatments can be prohibitively expensive for many families. Although there are some government programs that can help offset the cost of treatment, such as Medicaid, many families still cannot afford the high cost of therapy and other services.
These economic barriers make it difficult for many children with ASD to get the diagnosis and treatment they need. Without early intervention, children with ASD are at risk for poor educational outcomes, social isolation, and mental health problems. It is important for policymakers to address these barriers so that more children with ASD can get the help they need.
For adults with autism who fell through the cracks, masking autisms symptoms may be a trait to attempting to fit in, in order to survive economically.