Autism - feel belittled

[GizmoIsSoFluffy]

Late diagnosed autism - 2 years ago.

My husband commented today that autism diagnosis' are becoming so common that people are now saying that everyone is on the spectrum somewhere. Whilst I don't necessarily disagree I felt belittled as I struggle so much with things. Any advice on how to ignore his comment??

Divorce?

It depends on whether he thinks that "everyone is on the spectrum somewhere".

Did you get any support after your diagnosis OP?
I received a very late unofficial Autism diagnosis almost 2 years ago from the Clinical Psychologist I was seeing. She told me she didn't have the expertise to help me but she did get me into an online course specifically for people with later life diagnosis and that was really helpful. Just hearing other peoples real life experiences and struggles with Autism. She also gave me website addresses for helpful resources.

Do you go on the National Autistic Society website?
https://www.autism.org.uk/
I think this has really helpful stuff.

My feeling is the best way to counteract the general ignorance people have about Autism is to find out as much about it yourself as possible. And it's so helpful to know that you are not alone because the one thing we all have in common is the struggle of everyday life.

No, I was offered no support from the psychologist who diagnosed me. Feel like a fraud.

Firstly you can tell him that it is categorically untrue that everyone is on the spectrum somewhere, as if that were the case, then we would all be autistic. The spectrum exists for autistic people only, not the entire population. Whilst everyone can exhibit traits, to reach a clinical diagnosis of autism you must be severely impaired by your traits.

The reason diagnoses are becoming 'so common' is that understanding is now much better, and previously missed people such as adult women, girls, minority groups, who have different presentations to the previously studied group of only boys, are now finally being recognised.

It is incredibly frustrating when people dismiss and belittle your lived experience. The only way to stop this is to educate yourself, and then them. Also might be worth finding a neurodivergent / neuro divergent affirming therapist, who can help you work through your diagnosis and feelings, joining Facebook groups / reading books specifically for late diagnosed women.