If you have studied the Quick Facts, recognized the signs of autism, and have now received a diagnosis, you may find yourself searching for the next steps.

In this article, Ability Central looks at the first four things to do after receiving a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as an older teen or adult, including:

• Learning everything you can about autism.
• Understanding the three levels of autism.
• Looking for co-existing conditions.
• Finding the support you need to move forward.

Learn everything you can about ASD.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates ASD affects roughly 5.4 million people in the United States aged 18 and older. This translates to 2.21% of adults or approximately 1 in 45.

In the case of autism, the more you know, the better you can understand that you aren't alone. From 2016 to 2021, funding for autism research has increased from 188 million to 290 million. That means we are gaining knowledge every day. Ability Central[GB6] is keeping you updated on the latest research on the Portal. Other great resources include:

• Autism Society
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)
• Autism Navigator
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

Understand the three levels of autism.

The DSM-5 is the manual used for diagnosing ASD. This manual defines three levels of autism.

Level 1: Requiring support

A person who meets the criteria for level 1 may face social challenges that require some support. They may:

• Need help starting and maintaining conversations.
• Need to follow rigid behavior patterns.
• Feel uncomfortable when things change around them.
• Need help with organization and planning.

Level 2: Requires substantial support

People who meet level 2 criteria require additional support. They may:

• Find conversation very difficult.
• Need help communicating coherently.
• Respond in ways that neurotypical people consider surprising or inappropriate.
• Have difficulty understanding or using nonverbal communication, including facial expressions.

Level 3: Requires even more substantial support

People who meet level 3 of the diagnostic criteria require the most support. They may:

• Avoid others completely.
• Show limited to no interest in friends.
• Follow repetitive behaviors that seem strange to neurotypical people.
• Experience a high level of distress if a situation requires them to alter their focus or task.

Understanding how much support is needed based on the three diagnostic levels is essential to know how to progress.

Look for co-existing conditions.

A new study of legally independent autistic adults showed that participants diagnosed with autism at age 21 or older were 2.7 times more likely to report co-occurring mood, anxiety, personality, or eating disorders than those identified with autism in childhood. Adulthood-diagnosed people also reported more lifetime psychiatric conditions. Common co-existing conditions include:

• Epilepsy
• Sleep disorders
• ADHD
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Eating challenges
• Obesity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder

It is essential to stay under the care of a trained physician who can help diagnose and treat any co-existing conditions.

Build a support system for a bright future.

There are several benefits to pursuing an autism diagnosis as an adult. When an autistic adult receives and shares a diagnosis of ASD, it allows friends, family, and co-workers to arm themselves with knowledge of how to support them. In addition, it will enable the individual with the diagnosis to have a greater sense of self-identity that may increase their confidence.

As with any new diagnosis, finding balance in the initial desire to research and learn about autism is essential. Rather than falling into the trap of cognitive overload, it is necessary to build a support system. This includes:

• Finding a friend to talk to who will show compassion and help you set healthy limits on your research time.
• Learning what (if any) professional interventions will be needed moving forward. Will medication that treats the symptoms associated with ASD benefit you? Is a counselor needed for the diagnosed adult or their family members?
• Finding an outlet for your stress and anxiety. Perhaps it is a walk outside, yoga, a coloring book, or cooking a meal.
• Finding a support group. There are support groups [MC17]across the United States that can help newly diagnosed adults, friends, and family.
• Setting limits and sticking with them. It is ok to research the new diagnosis,but set limits on how much time you spend daily or weekly.

Our knowledge and understanding of autism grow with continued research and information sharing. Ability Central will continue to report the latest findings as they become available from trusted sources. Check out our library of ASD information, including:

• Quick Facts
• Symptoms of ASD
• Finding a support group