A lot of people talk about autistic traits becoming heightened after a person figures out and/or is diagnosed with ASD.
And yes, this can happen due to realizing that it’s okay to stim and to be a little more open about expressing your needs and identifying what your autistic traits are - not to mention when autism becomes a special interest. ^^
I think that a big part of the appearance of increased visibility of autistic traits is that finally after all this time (speaking for late-diagnosed or late-self dx’d autistic people), you have language to describe and identify your autistic traits.
Before, you might’ve mentioned how you are just overwhelmed by the room being too loud and busy with people and the smell of everyone’s different deodorants/body sprays and it’s too bright - and so you thought it was normal and just happening because there was so much going on. As opposed to now, having the language and the understanding of yourself to say, “Wow, I’m really over-stimmed right now,” and realize you need to leave to a quieter, lower external-stimulation environment and perhaps use some stimming or coping/calming techniques to help ward off a breakdown/meltdown/shutdown or anxiety/panic attack.
Just by knowing and recognizing that you’re autistic provides you with a whole arsenal of language and coping skills and communication resources to help you express your needs, concerns, autistic traits, and yourself. You learn new scripting options that makes your autistic self more visible by how you explain what you’re feeling and going through.
Love this!! After diagnosis is often a time of learning to give ourselves permission to look after our needs after such a long time of neglecting them.
