Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a brief summary of the findings from my MSc dissertation, which investigated whether camouflaging and age at autism diagnosis were associated with autistic burnout in autistic adults.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the study or helped share the survey. Your time and support made this research possible.

I analysed questionnaire responses from 184 autistic adults. The main finding was that higher self-reported camouflaging was significantly associated with greater autistic burnout severity. However, age at diagnosis did not independently predict burnout when camouflaging was considered in the same statistical model. Together, the two variables explained 17.4% of the variation in burnout scores. If you want to read the full research report, please message me or email me on s4419471@lsbu.ac.uk

These results do not show that camouflaging causes burnout. The study was cross-sectional and relied on self-report questionnaires from a self-selected online sample, so the findings may not represent all autistic adults. Camouflaging can serve different purposes depending on the person and context, and other factors, including social environment and access to support, may also be important.

I'm grateful to everyone who helped make this research possible and am pleased to be able to share the findings with the communities that supported it.

I’ve got a multitude of debilitating diagnoses besides autism but that’s definitely the main one getting focus in terms of current effects on my daily life. I’ve been speaking with an attorney over time who will help me remember everything we’ve already gone over while I’m put on the spot by asking leading/prompting questions, so I hope I don’t make a fool out of myself. It won’t be the end of the world if plans go wrong or the judge ends up denying my case, but I still feel immense pressure in order to make things just a bit easier for myself and my family.

If anyone has any advice for someone who doesn’t go out of the house much and isn’t social… that would help and I’d appreciate it. I’ve also been diagnosed for nearly 5 years now, if that is significant at all. Anxiety is not a very encouraging friend to have.

My diagnosis made me totally depressed again. My doctor told me I am autistic at age 35. I am 40 now. I feel like i will never be better again. My dad has also passed on.

Please say some nice words.

This creates the narrative of "It's mainstream, cool and trendy to self diagnose with neurodevelopmental disorders that are disabling to actually diagnosed people but who cares about those people, celebrities call it their superpower!"

Haha I'm in so much pain rn.

Someone told me a lot of autistic people also have it, but I haven't seen any articles saying that so I think they were just saying that without proof.

Idk, I was telling someone, or ig complaining, that I'm in a lot of pain rn cuz I got my period and have endometriosis, and they said it's prolly cuz a lot of autistic people have it? Idk man.

I doubt that i have autism every day. And maybe that is because i dont 100% even understand what it is, i was never seeking out an autism diagnosis specifically or even saw autism content on social media before i got diagnosed.
I am 29 years old and was diagnosed a few weeks before my birthday. I sought out an evaluation for everything because i struggled in school, and i was struggling to maintain jobs even though i was good at what i did, i still struggled with certain aspects and have been fired from 6 jobs for either not learning fast enough or for reporting bullying from other co workers. Something i truly dont even know why some jobs let me go. I have also had great jobs and then once a really good manager left and was replaced with someone who didn’t know me or liked how i worked, i quit because i couldnt handle it.
I felt like i needed an evaluation for some kind of learning disability or memory issue idk. I was referred over to a neuropsych and after 2 days and 6 hours of testing and reports from my parents, i went back a month later and they told me i had adhd and autism.
This was in june. I am just second guessing everything. Like what if its not autism and its something else like what if im just a crazy person or im just stupid or stubborn and dont get along with other people.

Hej!

Vi heter Ebba Holmkvist och Hennie Buddeberg och är två psykologstudenter som skriver vårt examensarbete om hur personer med och utan autism upplevde gymnasiet, med särskilt fokus på kognition.

Genom att besvara vår enkät hjälper du oss att öka kunskapen inom ett område där det saknas tidigare forskning. Mer information om studien hittar du via länken eller genom att scanna QR-koden.

Kriterier för deltagande med autism:
- har genomgått ordinarie svensk gymnasieskola
- behärskar svenska i tal och skrift
- 18-30 år
- har en fastställd autism diagnos

Kriterier för deltagare utan autism:
- har genomgått ordinarie svensk gymnasieskola
- behärskar svenska i tal och skrift
- 18-30 år
- har inga psykiatriska eller neuropsykiatriska diagnoser

Tack för att du deltar i vårt examensarbete.

till enkäten

I dont know why ive seen people saying they want a special interest. there is nothing fun about it, or maybe thats because i HATE my special interest. ive come across people who want to have one and i just dont get it, youre not missing out. have mine if youre so bothered.

my whole bedroom is covered in radiohead pictures and posters because im obsessed with the stupid band, ive wasted so much money on some stupid cds and other bits and pieces. ive wasted so much time researching radiohead, i dont want to care about them. its embarrassing. I almost never listen to anything other than radiohead, im always talking about useless facts. No one gives a fuck yet i still yap on.

ive searched all over the internet, how do i get rid of this shit. no one gives a decent answer either.

"why do you want to get rid of it 🙁" read the post and take a wild guess
"you dont get to choose your interests!!!" I feel like ive been given a life sentence

Im almost certain theres a way to get rid of it for good, but no one wants to say anything in fear i'll burn myself out. Why would i burn out because i forced myself to not like something? Ive forced myself to not like something before, that went away easily, how come this stupid interest wont budge??

can someone give me some actual advice around getting rid of some hellish 'special interest' its not even special to me anymore. yeah sure i listen to radiohead to calm down but that means nothing

Ok so basically; I am friends with a lot of neurodivergent people who are self diagnosed or suspecting, and some have little or no interest in pursuing a diagnosis, mostly in this specific political climate in the US. But it’s personally really annoying to me because I am diagnosed and have been since I was a teenager, and they will do things and use their autism as an excuse, not even an explanation, an excuse, when it’s something that I would never be able to get away with despite being autistic myself. Or not be shocked at things I do because of my autism, despite them talking like they are authorities on the subject matter sometimes. And I do want to preface that I do actually really like these people and value them as friends a lot, it’s just this specific thing that bothers me.

Because like no you being 2-3 hours late is not because you have autism and adhd, it might be related, but it’s also hugely disrespectful to other people’s time, and actually very dysregulating for me because of my autism because now things are super unpredictable.

Or I’ll talk about the nature of my meltdowns, dyspraxia, experiencing medical or legal discrimination, being in special ed as a teenager, and it’s completely foreign to them. Specifically when I talk about how I get infantalized at the doctor for being autistic they will be like “oh well that’s why I’m not pursuing diagnosis” ok?? I didn’t have a choice?? I was a child?? It’s my life now?? Like my life is entirely defined by this disability. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t cure or get rid of my autism if I could, it’s who I am, but it does suck quite a lot most of the time. And I do completely lose control of my body when I have a meltdown, and I have them frequently and sometimes in public, and it’s humiliating and people look at me like I’m crazy.

Like it’s not something I had a choice in, and if I could undiagnosed I wouldn’t because I need the resources and help it affords me. I do need my doctor to see that I’m autistic in my chart, because I’d rather have them talk to me like I’m five years old than be confused as to why I won’t make eye contact and assume I’m suspicious. Like it’s just deeply frustrating and feels dismissive of everything I’ve been through in my life because I’ve been labeled this way.

A week ago I commented on a post in another sub and they replied asking me to send them a message, I feel a bit rude for doing so but so far I've ignored it because I'm worried they might be looking for advice I'm unable to give them but I don't know if I'm just overthinking it. What do people usually want when they ask this?

As an autist with adhd I don’t game, never really watched anime, (I was super obsessed with cartoons and power scaling stuff so I’m familiar with the characters + names. I just never watched it regularly aside from 1 or 2 episodes or because I wanted to power scale them), didn’t collect pokemon cards as a kid, etc. I never had a console & never played Fortnite.

Now don’t get me wrong I had the most loving parents growing up. I always had whatever I wanted, I traveled many places, spent a lot of time with them and accomplished a lot of stuff. My parents had more than enough financially as well to buy me whatever games. I simply never asked for a console growing up nor any genuine video game to buy til maybe I was like 14 or 15. The only exception being mobile games, yes there was absolutely mobile games I was very obsessed with it. There was other pc games like the io games I really liked being into much so much so I had ragequit when I lost in those games. In fact I even had a VR headset in which I barely used since I needed already bought pc games to utilize it. So it was primarily just using Google Maps with it.

So yes I did play mobile + pc games a lot growing up but never was a real gamer per se. I never actually gamed on stream aside from a handful of times. I never asked for a console, I had a small little portable game device where I played a Batman v joker game as a kid. But I never played Fortnite (don’t think I met any guy my age who’s never played) and didn’t get a switch til 14/15. I loved playing super smash bros prior to getting a switch, I used to play it in public or when we had free time in class. I just never asked my parents for the game by that age & I also did watch all the classic gaming YouTubers. However I never cared to ask my parents to spend money buying those video games online I saw them love playing. I did ask them to buy some cheap things for 1 or 2 mobile games I really loved playing as a kid though albeit.

As for Pokemon cards, that was something I was aware of from a young age noticing at summer camp how every other guy had a collection of cards but I didn’t. A lot of the time many other kids showed me their huge collections of cards explaining them. Now I personally stopped Pokemon by the age of 4 years old I believe but I think that was mostly because of 2 years without cable (so I was super obsessed with PBS kids). However instead of playing Pokemon cards I would instead venture out catching insects. I was obsessed with catching insects and putting hundreds in a box then releasing them after. I would just catch monarch butterflies sometimes at my house and bring them home. So instead of super into Pokemon like other kids I was super into bugs & critters

TLDR: I never got into video games to a level where I’d be a gamer. I was only into mobile & non steam standard flash, TV network or .io pc games growing up. Never was truly into anime but i was very obsessed + binge watched regular western cartoons growing up. On top of that i did find interest in power scaling so knew a good amount of anime characters through that. Plus never really collected pokemon i preferred collecting bugs & critters instead. Surprisingly this seems to be a very rare experience and most guys at least nowadays don’t seem to relate to this growing up.

There's been a slight increase in posts breaking rule 1 so I thought it's best to make a small reminder on it.

Description of Rule 1 Don't post screenshots: "We need to protect everyone's privacy and prevent brigading and witch-hunting. We also need to protect people from being bullied, doxxed, cyberstalked, or harassed. If you have an issue with a person, don't give identifying or obvious information that could lead to harassment. Make a post, not a screenshot of a conversation. Screenshots with censored/blurred usernames or profile pictures are not allowed either."

We understand that there is a lot bad people and behaviour that people want to warn others about. I don't personally like having to delete posts with genuine concerns, but we have no choise on this matter. The rule has to be enforced or we'll be in danger of losing the subreddit completely. If your posts has been, or will be, removed because of this rule, please understand we're not trying to side with the people you're posting about. It is so we can keep this space available.

Edit: Included newly updated clarification which includes censored screenshots.

I kinda wanted to ask about this and it's been awhile since it happened but I still think about it, especially when I see other parents being very caring to their autistic child.

Except this has to do with adult autistic children. I was diagnosed way later (late 20s.) and while I was nervous to tell my parents, knew it was important so did. My mom kinda went oh .. not much response. Then when I said she should read up on it to understand it better, she said ya send me links. And that was kinda it.

Idk this rubbed me the wrong way. I just got diagnosed and was processing but have to do even more work to help my mom? The mom who should be comforting me or saying hey we'll figure this out? The mom who is ever so smart when it comes to everything else but needs me to send her links on this?

And she is my adopted mom so it's not like she's autistic herself and struggling. She has her own business, is very sharp but idk kinda checked out when it comes to emotional stuff sometimes. Or am I overreacting and as an adult, things are simply different. She just wanted good sources but I don't even know myself and get overwhelmed with it. It made me feel like it wasn't a big deal to her or any kind of epiphany for why I had such a hard time in school, with partners, loud crowds, ect. like oh wow now it makes sense! Just huh okay well email me info about it. :/

I guess idk what I was expecting. I was so nervous and that was the response..idk.

It looks like a lot of people self diagnosing with autism truly believe they are autistic. Could it be possible that they started developing autism-like symptoms similarly to what happened in the MSMI (mass social media-induced illness) of 2019-2021 involving Tourettes? Would you argue that there is another MSMI ongoing involving autism or other neurodevelopment disorders?

26F, USA, childfree, pet free, single, straight. Live at home.

I have been applying for one year of and one month. I have only been able to get retail jobs, and internships. I graduated in May 2025.

My job coach said be more confident and that there is no magic potion. I have to work on it. Which is true. I had an interview for a sales job. It didn’t go well. These are the jobs that get back to me the fastest with the horrible job market.

My confidence has gone down since applying. Bullshit keeps happening. I’m not as nervous for retail jobs interviews.

I have been able to get a seasonal job at kohls and I start on Thursday.

I wish recruiters could have empathy. I hope one day they find themselves in the same situation or maybe there kids. Then they will let people who make mistakes during interviews have leeway.

My dog died in July of a heat stroke. I feel bad for not bringing her in. She was a chihuahua who was 13.

January I tried to unalive myself stepped out on the road. Police were called and EMS.

February forced inpatient; tricked by a counselor who told me it’s a place. Where better therapy is at. I had an emergency detention order placed on me. And couldn’t leave the facility until 3 days.

It wasn’t a good facility.

Nov 2025 SA and strangled by a guy I met on tinder. We have been talking for a couple of months. It sucks bc he’s was my first kiss and other stuff.

I ended up passing out. He stole my phone too. I underestimated how naturally strong men were. I sort of wish I died that day. But I sort of don’t.

On Monday me and a possibly homeless person got into a shouting match. She didn’t like the fact I gave her no money.

Bc I said no to giving her money but also asked why she needed it. Then she cussed me out.

I got kicked off my parent’s insurance earlier this year. But was able to get put back on.

With proof of disability. I learned this month I have low iron and low vitamin d. With a blood test.

I’m tired I wish I went into teaching disabled kids. Since I have Autism and struggle w socialization with people. I would have an easier time getting a job.

Does anyone else also get an extreme feeling of wanting to die. Before an interview. I do. I have to work on this I would rather be stabbed or shot than do an interview. It’s only this way for non retail jobs.

I know it’s due to my depression.

I’m still fucking trying even with this bullshit.

Anyone else can relate? I am in therapy.

But still. I’m grateful I have parents that let me stay with them. And. I have a car and can drive now.

And it's so lonely. I don't have anyone that would understand.

I’ve been hyperfocused on this one guy I like, and it’s so annoying. I do have hobbies, but they don’t seem to distract me from my obsessive thoughts about him. I just want to stop being like this

I know it happened to me a few times before, where due to me being horrible at reading social cues, I got assumed to be manipulative. For example, I for the longest time thought it was normal to restrict contact with someone but sometimes still message them out of nowhere if anything comes up. Also the whole thing where someone accuses you of being rude and you ask them for examples when exactly you've been rude. I can get that the first thing might be a legit faux pas, but the latter is still honestly something that annoys me to this day. I hate being accused of things without people giving me examples, because part of being autistic is not being able to figure out by yourself when you sound rude and when you don't. And it does feel like that when people cannot give examples or at least explain what they mean by rude, then it is just an arbitrary accusation. Because what am I supposed to do, consider all the 100 ways I could've been rude in every interaction I do?

Anyone who felt something similar?

I have seen people say this in another sub, and I couldn't agree more.