Rising Demand for Adult Autism Diagnoses: Bridging Gaps in Support and Resources

The article discusses the increasing demand for adult autism diagnoses due to greater awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity. Some adults seek diagnoses later in life because they have always suspected they are different, while for others, it brings clarity to confusing experiences. The article notes that while support services exist for autistic children, adults are often underserved, leading to high levels of unemployment and poor mental health outcomes. The lack of clear diagnostic tests for adults has resulted in some individuals opting to self-diagnose, which while connecting them to a larger community, may also lead to missing out on resources requiring professional diagnoses. Organizations such as Autism Speaks and The Ed Asner Family Center are providing additional resources and support to autistic adults, helping to bridge gaps in resources and support. The article highlights several examples of initiatives aimed at helping autistic adults, including Autism Speaks’ Autism Response Team and The Ed Asner Family Center’s partnership with Funko to provide job training for young adults on the spectrum. Additionally, the Bay Area Autism Collective offers weekly peer support groups led by autistic individuals. These initiatives aim to address the significant challenges facing autistic adults, including loneliness, employment difficulties, and poor mental health outcomes. Overall, the article highlights the need for more services and support for autistic adults, particularly around employment, as evidenced by recent reports indicating low employment rates among individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.