A new study published in the journal Autism suggested that people who learned of their autism as an adult showed more positive emotions regarding the diagnosis. However, a contradictory finding shows that telling children about autism at a younger age empowers them. In many cases, autistic people do not receive their diagnosis until adulthood after the characteristic signs are noticed.  

The researchers demonstrated that the effect of acknowledging autism at a younger age is linked to better adult life quality. The study was carried out by surveying 78 autistic university students including the diagnosis, how they found out about their conditions, and their feeling about the diagnosis. Dr. Steven Kapp stated that students who learned of their autism at younger age felt happier about their lives in comparison to their adult counterparts. He added that their study suggested that telling children about their condition helps in balanced personal and all-around developmental growth by providing better understanding and the ability to connect with people.

However, in a reversal, Dr. Kapp added that being diagnosed as an adult is often linked with positive emotions such as relief. He explained that emotional reactions are unique and complex but a lot of new research has associated relief as a common response to an adulthood diagnosis of autism. He advised that parents should inform their children, but highlighted the need to consider factors such as developmental level, support needs, curiosity, and personality. The children should be informed in such a manner that they understand and feel good about themselves.

(Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/early-self-awareness-of-autism-might-lead-to-better-life-quality-study-101651116912378.html)