7. Experiences of Autism

This chapter describes qualitative research of myself and others of the experiences of autistic persons. Such research demonstrates that autism is not solely a fixed identity that is persistent throughout one’s life. The diagnosis is a description of one’s functioning and can form the basis of how others understand you. As such, it is often a welcome explanation of the challenges people experience. But the meaning of autism and of the diagnosis of autism changes. There is the possibility for learning and misunderstanding in the interaction with others and the question of what it means to be autistic itself.