Using compensation to cope with autism may mean missed diagnoses and support

People with autism often use compensatory strategies for troubles with communication. They might rehearse a conversation beforehand, for example. New research finds that doing so may delay the diagnosis of autism and lead to poorer mental health. Researchers surveyed 136 adults — half had been clinically diagnosed with autism, the other half either self-diagnosed with autism or expressed social difficulties. Almost all of them used compensation strategies. Among those who had been diagnosed, the researchers contend, their autism was missed during childhood and adolescence because the strategies made teachers and parents think the children were neurotypical. The participants felt they didn’t get as much support as adults because they came off as “too normal,” according to the survey. The authors hope the study will lead to better diagnoses and support for those with autism.