Autismus-Bewusstsein: Erkennen Menschen ihre eigene Störung?

Self-awareness of autism varies widely:

• Diagnosed adults/older teens: Usually aware, especially if diagnosed early or engaged in self-advocacy.
• Children: Awareness depends on age, cognitive level, and how caregivers explain it.
• Late-diagnosed adults: Often have lifelong sense of difference; diagnosis brings clarity.
• Intellectual disability co-occurrence: May limit conceptual understanding of diagnosis.

Early diagnosis and neurodiversity-affirming education help individuals understand their neurology, advocate for needs, and build identity. Lack of awareness doesn't negate the diagnosis.