2025 Autism Signs and Diagnosis Insights: 5 Childhood Indicators I Missed - Expert Psychologist Reveals

Reflecting on my childhood, I now recognize that my sensory sensitivities were present all along.

April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a perfect time to explore my own neurodivergence. As an autistic psychologist specializing in autism evaluation, I spent years diagnosing others without realizing I was autistic myself. It wasn’t until engaging with the autistic community online that I understood the deep connection I felt with my clients—because we shared similar experiences.

After my diagnosis, I revisited my past and noticed clear signs that had been missed for years. Many autistic adults share these 'aha' moments once they understand their neurotype.

Unfortunately, many autistic individuals, especially those who are BIPOC, women, trans, or nonbinary, often receive diagnoses later in life due to systemic disparities. I was misdiagnosed initially, as evaluators had narrow views of what autism 'should' look like. Even those who trained me in autism diagnosis didn’t recognize my neurodivergence until my 30s.

Here are five key signs from my childhood that I overlooked but indicate autism:

Atypical Early Development

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) states autism manifests early in development, although traits may become clearer as social demands increase. Simply put, autism is lifelong.

Some children are identified as early as 18 months due to delays in milestones like speech. Interestingly, I spoke my first sentence at 18 months and quickly progressed to full sentences, earlier than typical. My parents thought I was just 'special,' but this early development was a subtle sign of autism.

Special Interests

Intense focus on specific subjects has always been part of who I am. For example, in elementary school, I developed a deep fascination with wolves, independently creating a detailed project including research and drawings. This passion was so consuming that I sometimes neglected assigned homework, which caused trouble. Such deep interests are common in autistic individuals but often misunderstood.

Social Behaviors

Autism is often mischaracterized by clinicians as involving social deficits. Having close friendships can lead to missed diagnoses, as some believe autistic people cannot form meaningful bonds. I had a best friend throughout school who was also later diagnosed autistic. We connected through shared interests but were often excluded by peers. Our social differences were overlooked because we appeared to have friendships, highlighting the complexity of autistic social communication.

Hyperfocus

From a very young age, I could immerse myself in activities for hours without supervision. This intense concentration, or hyperfocus, allowed me to entertain myself independently and was seen as a positive trait. However, traditional diagnostic methods often focus on disruptive behaviors rather than appreciating such individual experiences.

Sensory Traits

Many autistic people experience sensory sensitivities, either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. I experience both, depending on the context. This means I need specific types and amounts of sensory input to feel comfortable; otherwise, I may become overwhelmed or bored. For example, I preferred tight clothing but disliked the texture of jeans before adolescence. I also enjoy spicy foods but am sensitive to certain textures. Movements I made as a child were self-regulating stims, which I only recently recognized as part of my sensory profile.

Conclusion

It’s never too late to understand yourself better. If you suspect neurodivergence, explore community experiences and resources like Embrace Autism to learn more. While a professional evaluation is necessary for an official diagnosis, self-diagnosis is increasingly recognized as valid within the autistic community.

For those seeking formal assessment, Neurodivergent Therapists offers directories of qualified evaluators. Alternatively, finding a therapist knowledgeable about neurodivergence can provide valuable support. Everyone’s journey is unique, and the right support helps you embrace your identity and meet your needs.

Further reading includes topics on Conditions A-Z, Neurodivergence, and Autism.

Sources:

1. McQuaid GA, Lee NR, Wallace GL. Camouflaging in autism spectrum disorder: Examining the roles of sex, gender identity, and diagnostic timing. Autism. 2022;26(2):552-559.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Screening and Diagnosis.
3. Sturm A, Huang S, Bal V, Schwartzman B. Psychometric exploration of the RAADS-R with autistic adults: Implications for research and clinical practice. Autism. 2024. doi:10.1177/13623613241228329

By Amy Marschall, PsyD
Dr. Amy Marschall is an autistic clinical psychologist with ADHD, specializing in supporting children and adolescents with similar neurotypes. She is certified in TF-CBT and telemental health.

Explore useful articles in Neurodivergence as of 04-05-2024. The article titled " 2025 Autism Signs and Diagnosis Insights: 5 Childhood Indicators I Missed - Expert Psychologist Reveals " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Neurodivergence field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " 2025 Autism Signs and Diagnosis Insights: 5 Childhood Indicators I Missed - Expert Psychologist Reveals " article expands your knowledge in Neurodivergence, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.