No treatment that eliminates autism, but a path to more peace
Autism is not a disease that you can cure. After a late diagnosis, it is mainly about recognition, self-acceptance and finding a way of life that requires less energy.
What a treatment program could look like
A specialized diagnosis
Find a diagnostician with specific experience in autism in adult women, who looks at your entire life story instead of just recent symptoms.
Recognition and self-acceptance
A diagnosis provides a framework for revising years of self-criticism about 'being different'. That alone reduces feelings of guilt in many people.
Camouflage tapering where possible
Consciously masking less, starting in safe environments, can save energy in the long term, although it feels awkward at first.
Coaching on energy and stimulus processing
Targeted training helps to recognise boundaries before exhaustion sets in, and to plan work and social life accordingly. votes.
Attention to autistic burnout
Prolonged exhaustion due to camouflage requires specialized guidance aimed at recovery and breaking the masking pattern, not just rest.
What you can ask yourself
Question about female-specific diagnosis
Not every diagnostician has experience with how autism manifests itself in adult women. Ask explicitly about this.
Use a women-specific screening instrument to prepare
A free questionnaire developed for women can help to structure your experiences for the conversation.
Name previous diagnoses that did not explain the whole picture
If previous treatment for anxiety, depression or burnout did not work as expected, that is relevant information for a diagnostician.
Seek free support if you get stuck
If you cannot find a solution with care, an independent client support worker can you think along. That's free.
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.
Reliable explanation and help
- Thuisarts: autisme - explanation about autism features, assessment and possible support.
- Nederlandse Vereniging voor Autisme - information and support from the perspective of autistic people and those close to them.
Is recognition or diagnosis taking a long time?
Answer a few questions. You do not get a diagnosis or advice, but you do get points and questions you can take into a next conversation.