Can Late Autism Diagnosis Cause an Identity Crisis?

PostedNovember 7, 2025

UpdatedNovember 7, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

A late autism diagnosis can cause an identity crisis for many adults. Discovering that they are autistic later in life can shake their self-perception, leading to an emotional struggle as they try to reconcile their newfound understanding with their past experiences. This late diagnosis often brings clarity, but it can also create confusion and feelings of disorientation as adults attempt to integrate this information into their sense of self.

For many, this experience challenges their understanding of who they are. They may reflect on past behaviours and interactions, realising that what they once thought were quirks or flaws were actually traits of autism. This realisation can trigger a range of emotions, including regret over missed opportunities, frustration over the lack of an earlier diagnosis, or even sadness over the time spent without appropriate support.

How a Late Autism Diagnosis Affects Self-Awareness

Here’s how a late autism diagnosis can impact emotional wellbeing:

Self-Awareness Shift:

Adults may experience a significant shift in how they view themselves, adjusting to the idea of being autistic after years of struggling without understanding why.

Emotional Problems:

A delay in diagnosis can bring feelings of regret and frustration, particularly as adults realise the support they needed earlier in life was unavailable.

If you’re experiencing an identity crisis after autism diagnosis, reaching out to a professional who understands adult autism can help.

Providers like Autism Detect offer consultations to guide individuals through this emotional journey and help them embrace their true selves.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to late diagnosis in adults.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.