{"id":65106,"date":"2022-12-16T12:31:02","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T12:31:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/?p=65106"},"modified":"2023-10-11T09:49:22","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T08:49:22","slug":"why-an-autism-diagnosis-can-mean-so-much-to-young-adults-in-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2022\/12\/16\/why-an-autism-diagnosis-can-mean-so-much-to-young-adults-in-wales\/","title":{"rendered":"Why an autism diagnosis can mean so much to young adults in Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Demand for diagnosis is outstripping the capacity of Wales\u2019s autism services. But this demand may signal a positive change in Welsh attitudes towards autism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"431\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9.jpg 765w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9.jpg 765w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/02\/newnew16-9-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A diagnosis can be life-affirming for a lot of people as it explains difficulties they had their whole life, according to the external affairs manager of Wales&#8217; leading autism charity. Credit: Frances Daniels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Five years ago, Wales became the UK\u2019s first country to launch a national service for adults seeking an autism diagnosis or support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest <a href=\"https:\/\/autismwales.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/National-Autism-Team-Supplementary-Annual-Report-2020-21-updated.pdf\">data report<\/a> of the Integrated Autism Service (IAS) found that over half of adults referred to the service were requesting a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.wales\/sites\/default\/files\/statistics-and-research\/2022-10\/review-of-the-demand-capacity-and-design-of-neurodevelopmental-services-full-report-485.pdf\">a recent independent review<\/a> has now found that demand for an autism diagnosis is outstripping the service\u2019s capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignleft is-type-wp-embed is-provider-datawrapper wp-block-embed-datawrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"The Seven Integrated Autism Services in Wales\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/DV8ph\/1\/#?secret=qweOn5Lomz\" data-secret=\"qweOn5Lomz\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"719\"><\/iframe><noscript><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"The Seven Integrated Autism Services in Wales\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/DV8ph\/1\/#?secret=qweOn5Lomz\" data-secret=\"qweOn5Lomz\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"719\"><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There are seven Integrated Autism Services in Wales, and they represent a partnership between the seven Local Health Boards of Wales. Credit: Frances Daniels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This finding has led to the review asking an important question: Is increasing demand a problem or to be celebrated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chris Haines, who works for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/directory\/n\/nas-cymru\">National Autistic Society Cymru<\/a>, argues the high demand for assessments reflects a better understanding of autism in Wales. \u201cThe myth that women and girls can\u2019t be autistic has been tackled in recent years, so a lot more women and girls are coming forward now,\u201d says the external affairs manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Haines also explains that one of the most positive elements of the IAS is that adults can self-refer. Previously, only health professionals could refer adults for an assessment. \u201cAutistic adults can struggle with communicating their difficulties, and a GP might not pick up on autism,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lost generation meets new generation<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Many adults who refer themselves to the IAS for a diagnosis may be parents of autistic children, says Yvonne Odukwe of <a href=\"https:\/\/autismshiddenvoices.com\/\">Autism&#8217;s Hidden Voices<\/a>, a Newport-based charity that aims to destigmatise autism in cultural groups across Wales. \u201cI think the majority of adults coming forward for a diagnosis have autistic children, so autism is already normalised,\u201d says the director of the charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Odukwe says that as more children are being readily identified as autistic, more parents are realising they may have autism, too. \u201cI think a lot of adults are seeing symptoms in their children which are making them question themselves,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"431\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices.jpg 765w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices.jpg 765w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/169-final-hidden-voices-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yvonne Odukwe (right) says the majority of autistic adults feel relieved when they are diagnosed. &#8220;It helps them connect the dots,&#8221; she explains. Credit: Autism&#8217;s Hidden Voices<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Gareth Croot was diagnosed with autism in September 2022 and says he sought a diagnosis after his infant son was diagnosed. \u201cMy mother said he was a lot like me when I was little,\u201d says the 41-year-old Swansea native.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Croot says that the diagnosis explained his dislike of social interaction and the \u201ctantrums\u201d he had as a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI started looking into things more,\u201d he says. \u201cIt all started to click.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find out more about the Integrated Autism Service:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"An Introduction to the Integrated Autism Service in Wales\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/B0YxWlCp0Qc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"An Introduction to the Integrated Autism Service in Wales\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/B0YxWlCp0Qc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The IAS summed up in 3 minutes. Credit: Frances Daniels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Establishing an identity later in life<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The review found that over 70% of adults accessing the IAS were aged 18-45. Haines believes that a lot of these adults attended school at a time when autism was not readily identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019re most likely to have had lower support needs,\u201d he says. \u201cThat\u2019s why there\u2019s a pent-up demand of people in their 30s and 40s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>39-year-old Matthew Enos was diagnosed with autism in October 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autism \u201cwasn\u2019t really picked up\u201d during Enos\u2019s school days, and he experienced mental health issues throughout his adolescence. At 16, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-410x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65155\" width=\"336\" height=\"839\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-410x1024.jpg 410w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-120x300.jpg 120w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-770x1925.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-819x2048.jpg 819w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-307x768.jpg 307w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-432x1080.jpg 432w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-720x1800.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-293x733.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-1400x3500.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-scaled.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-410x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65155\" width=\"336\" height=\"839\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-410x1024.jpg 410w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-120x300.jpg 120w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-770x1925.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-819x2048.jpg 819w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-307x768.jpg 307w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-432x1080.jpg 432w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-720x1800.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-293x733.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-1400x3500.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/l-5-Tips-for-Autistic-Adults-1-scaled.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Frances Daniels<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>He says he didn\u2019t question whether he had autism until 2018, after his partner discussed the possibility with a relative. \u201cI began to do online tests and was scoring very high, so I referred myself to the IAS,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Enos hopes to soon attend aftercare sessions, receiving a full report on his condition is \u201cmost important\u201d to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d like to read the service\u2019s opinions on where I am on the spectrum and advice for the future,\u201d says the Porth native, who wishes to receive <a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2015\/12\/11\/in-depth-are-employers-overlooking-those-with-autism\/\">employment advice <\/a>after experiencing a work environment that was \u201cnot sympathetic or understanding\u201d of his disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Enos, he was pleased with the diagnosis, but also found it bittersweet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf you know what you\u2019re dealing with, you\u2019re able to look into it a bit more,\u201d he says. \u201cI do feel a bit sad that it took this long to know what it was I was struggling with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Attitudes in Wales<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>While adults aged between 26-45 were the second largest group accessing the service, the largest age group were young adults (18-25).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Haines, young adults may seek a diagnosis during transitional periods, such as starting university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">I thought that a diagnosis would help me better understand myself<\/p>\n<cite>Kayleigh Leiva<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>American mental health worker Kaleigh Leiva first sought a diagnosis when they started studying at the University of Southern Mississippi. \u201cI moved out of my parents\u2019 house and was on my own, so I thought that a diagnosis would help me better understand myself,\u201d says the 23-year-old.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65111\" width=\"349\" height=\"465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-576x768.jpg 576w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-810x1080.jpg 810w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65111\" width=\"349\" height=\"465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-576x768.jpg 576w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-810x1080.jpg 810w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/12\/FB_IMG_1629285539507.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kayleigh Leiva as a student in 2020, before they were diagnosed with autism. Credit: Kaleigh Leiva<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, the cost of a diagnosis in the US deterred them from pursuing an assessment. Once they transferred to Swansea University, however, a diagnosis seemed possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the help of the University\u2019s autism team, they were referred to the IAS in autumn 2019 and diagnosed in April 2021 at age 21. \u201cIt was a relief \u2013 I finally knew why I was different,\u201d says the Mississippi native.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leiva believes the perception of autism in Wales is more positive than in the US, and they often wonder if being diagnosed as a child in Mississippi would have had a negative impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m from a small town and we don\u2019t have the resources in schools,\u201d they admit. \u201cI don\u2019t even know how I would get a diagnosis in my hometown. Swansea University had autism practitioners. There\u2019s more of an understanding in Wales.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This increased understanding has led to more adults requesting a diagnosis, so should the overwhelming demand be celebrated? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Judging by the independent review\u2019s recommendations, it should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The review recommended the service actively engage with underrepresented groups \u2013 despite acknowledging it could raise demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, five years from now, increased demand may not only be seen as a problem \u2013 it may also be seen as success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Demand for diagnosis is outstripping the capacity of Wales\u2019s autism services. But this demand may signal a positive change in Welsh attitudes towards autism<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":917,"featured_media":65494,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7087,7937],"tags":[3054,6810,262,2388,6812,325,1080],"coauthors":[7649],"class_list":["post-65106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-long-reads","category-the-edit","tag-autism","tag-autistic","tag-awareness","tag-disability","tag-national-autistic-society","tag-welsh-government","tag-young-adult"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why adults in Wales seek an autism diagnosis<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Demand for diagnosis is rising in Wales. But does this demand reflect a more positive national attitude towards autism?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2022\/12\/16\/why-an-autism-diagnosis-can-mean-so-much-to-young-adults-in-wales\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why adults in Wales seek an autism diagnosis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Demand for diagnosis is rising in Wales. 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