Coming to the realization that a person is autistic later in life can be confusing and lonely. With long waiting lists for diagnosis and little support for adults, how can one identify and understand autistic traits better, in order to live a more fulfilling life (with or without a diagnosis)?

When we are adults, and come across up-to-date information about autism, that makes us think "Hey, that sounds just like me." This can be extremely confronting, and we may not believe it.

I had similar thoughts. Surely I can't be? I can drive, I live independently, I'm married, and have kids... that doesn't sound like autism.

People's perception of autism is heavily influenced by stereotypical depictions of autistic people in the media, rather than an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for autism.

When exploring these standards, often there's a "lightbulb" moment where the pieces seem to fall into place.

However, autistic and neurodivergent people are often drawn to one another, so when trying to talk to loved ones, they might remark, "But everyone's like that" because so many people in their own social circle show these traits.

In this Hack, we'll look into some common autistic traits. However, it's crucial to consult with a medical professional to get a diagnosis.