‘Joining the Dots Across Time’: A Temporal Conceptual Model of Self-Concept Reconstruction Following Late Recognition of Autism

Authors

Abstract

Late autism recognition can be an interpretive shift, providing language and coherence for long-standing experiences. Using a temporal self-concept lens, we propose a temporal conceptual model of self-concept reconstruction following late recognition and examine how late-recognised autistic adults, many identifying as AuDHD, describe changes in self-understanding across past, present and future selves. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 34 Australian adults (autism-only n = 5; AuDHD n = 29; 25–66 years) who reported recognition after age 18 (diagnosed and/or self-identified). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants described temporal re-authoring through five interconnected themes: The ‘old story’ involving mismatch, masking/camouflaging and self-blame; Recognition as a framework, providing coherence, language and legitimacy while raising disclosure and stigma considerations; Integration work across time marked by oscillation, reprocessing and grief or anger about missed support; Consolidation through belonging, self-understanding and self-compassion or neutrality; and Future redesign towards authenticity, sustainability, revised possible selves and, for some, advocacy. Findings highlight the non-linear nature of post-recognition self-concept reconstruction and point to neuroaffirming supports that normalise oscillation, address internalised self-blame and historical misattribution, and scaffold meaning-making and identity integration. Lay Abstract Many autistic people are not recognised as autistic until adulthood. When this happens, it can feel like ‘joining the dots’, because it provides language and an explanation for experiences that previously felt confusing or were blamed on personal failure. In this study, we interviewed 34 Australian adults who recognised they were autistic after age 18 (through diagnosis and/or self-identification). Most participants also identified as having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (sometimes called AuDHD). We asked about how recognising autism affected the way they understood themselves across time, including their past, their present and their future. Participants described self-understanding as changing through an ongoing process of ‘re-authoring’ their life story. We developed a temporal conceptual model describing five connected parts of this process. First, participants described an ‘old story’ shaped by chronic mismatch, masking or camouflaging, and self-blame. Second, recognition provided a new framework and vocabulary that helped experiences make sense, while also raising questions about disclosure and stigma. Third, many described an extended period of integration, often non-linear, involving repeated rethinking of past experiences and emotions such as grief or anger about missed support. Fourth, participants described consolidation supported by belonging, increased self-understanding, and sometimes self-compassion or a more neutral view of themselves. Finally, many described redesigning the future around authenticity, sustainability and revised expectations, and some described moving towards advocacy. These findings suggest that post-recognition support should normalise non-linearity and ‘ups and downs’, address internalised self-blame and earlier misattributions, and support meaning-making, self-knowledge and connection to supportive communities where this is desired and safe.

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