Life can be complicated for most Autistics, especially when trying to work! Can be even more challenging for the late diagnosed, like myself.

Autistic adults face a variety of challenges in their daily lives, impacting their ability to live independently and maintain employment. This post explores these challenges, the success rates in employment, and the unique experiences of those diagnosed with autism later in life.

Common Issues Faced by Autistic Adults

• Employment: Difficulty finding and keeping jobs due to social communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and workplace discrimination. Many workplaces lack appropriate accommodations.
• Social Interactions: Difficulties in understanding social cues and building relationships, leading to social isolation. Social skills training and support networks are essential.
• Mental Health: Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, often due to societal pressures and lack of support. Limited access to tailored mental health services.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Overwhelm in sensory-rich environments, impacting daily functioning and participation in activities. Need for sensory-friendly environments and tools.
• Independent Living: Managing daily tasks such as budgeting, cooking, and self-care can be difficult without support. Access to life skills training and supportive living arrangements is crucial.
• Healthcare: Difficulty accessing and receiving appropriate healthcare due to communication barriers and lack of understanding from healthcare providers.

Employment and Financial Stability

Employment Success Rate

Studies show that autistic adults face significant barriers to employment. The employment rate for autistic adults is between 14% to 37%. However, when considering full-time employment, earning a living wage, and job tenure of more than two years, the success rate drops significantly.

Wage and Financial Stability

Many autistic adults who are employed are often underemployed, working part-time or in low-wage jobs. Factors contributing to this include underemployment, workplace discrimination, and additional expenses related to healthcare and support services.

Projected Success Rate with Specific Criteria

Considering the criteria of earning a living wage, maintaining full-time employment, and holding a job for more than two years, the projected success rate for autistic adults is approximately:

• Lower End: 0.035% to 0.666%

Differences for Late Diagnosed Autism (After Age 30)

Self-Understanding and Identity

• Positive Impact: Provides clarity and understanding of lifelong challenges, leading to a better sense of self and identity.
• Challenges: Coming to terms with the diagnosis later in life can be difficult.

Social Relationships

• Positive Impact: Improved understanding of social difficulties can lead to better coping strategies and stronger relationships.
• Challenges: Explaining the diagnosis to family, friends, and colleagues can be complex.

Employment

• Positive Impact: Understanding one’s autism can lead to seeking appropriate accommodations and finding more suitable work environments.
• Challenges: Adjusting career paths and seeking accommodations can be difficult.

Mental Health

• Positive Impact: Access to tailored mental health support can improve overall well-being.
• Challenges: Many late-diagnosed adults have lived with undiagnosed mental health conditions for years.

Life Skills and Independence

• Positive Impact: Awareness can lead to targeted support and strategies to improve daily living skills and independence.
• Challenges: Adapting to new strategies later in life can be challenging.

Access to Support Services

• Positive Impact: Accessing autism-specific support services can significantly improve quality of life.
• Challenges: Many services are geared towards children or young adults.

Projected Success Rates for Late Diagnosed Adults

The projected success rate for late-diagnosed autistic adults meeting the criteria of earning a living wage, maintaining full-time employment, and holding a job for more than two years is approximately:

• Lower End: 0.03% to 0.50%
• Higher End: 0.50% to 1.00%

Conclusion

Autistic adults face numerous challenges in employment, social interactions, mental health, sensory sensitivities, independent living, and healthcare. Late-diagnosed individuals encounter additional complexities in adjusting to their diagnosis. Efforts to improve outcomes focus on education, vocational training, support services, and policy advocacy to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.

Sources:

• National Autistic Society
• Office for National Statistics
• Autism Speaks
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Note: This post is based on current understanding and available data as of June 2024. For the latest information, please refer to relevant sources.