Could I Be Autistic? What It Means, What It Doesn’t, and Why It’s Okay to Ask

If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I be autistic?”—you’re not alone. And asking that question isn’t something to be afraid of. In fact, it can be a brave, powerful step toward understanding yourself in a new way.

Autism isn’t a disease. It’s not a defect. It’s not the result of bad parenting, too much screen time, or anything you “did wrong.” And it’s certainly not a character flaw. Autistic brains work differently—not less.

A Quick Look at Autism (and Why You’re Hearing About It More Now)

Autism, or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects things like communication, sensory processing, and how someone relates to the world. Some people notice it early in childhood, and others don’t discover it until adulthood—often because they’ve been masking for years.

You might be seeing more people talk openly about being autistic, and that’s not because there’s suddenly “more” autism. It’s because we’re finally getting better at recognizing it—especially in adults, people assigned female at birth, and folks in LGBTQ+ communities who’ve historically been overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Some of this change is due to increasing awareness, but some of it may trace back to long-term environmental shifts. Studies have explored possible links between certain plastics and food packaging materials—like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates used since the 1950s—and how these chemicals may influence neurological development. While science hasn’t found a “smoking gun,” it’s clear that brain development is affected by both biology and environment. Still, it’s important not to fall into the trap of looking for something to “blame.” Autism isn’t caused by one thing. It’s a complex mix of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors—and that’s okay.

Autism, ADHD, and Sexuality: There’s More Overlap Than You Might Think

Autism often overlaps with ADHD. In fact, research shows that up to 50–70% of autistic individuals also have ADHD. That might look like struggling to stay focused, being deeply immersed in interests, or having sensory sensitivities that make the world feel like too much—or not enough.

It also intersects with sexuality and gender identity in meaningful ways. A 2020 study published in Nature Communications found that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ compared to non-autistic people. This isn’t a coincidence—it’s about how autistic folks often have a deeply honest sense of identity that doesn’t rely on social rules. That same authenticity can make exploring gender and sexuality more fluid and nuanced.

Myths That Need to Go

Let’s clear out a few outdated, harmful ideas:

• Myth: Autism is caused by vaccines. This has been thoroughly debunked. Multiple large-scale studies show no link between vaccines and autism.

• Myth: Autism always looks like the stereotypes on TV. Nope. Many autistic people are deeply empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and socially connected—they just experience and express it differently.

• Myth: You have to “look autistic” or “act autistic” to be autistic. There is no one way to be autistic. Every brain is different.

What If I Think I Might Be Autistic?

First of all, take a breath. There’s nothing wrong with you. You don’t need to panic, fix yourself, or change who you are. You may just need more information—and maybe even some support in understanding your nervous system, your needs, and your strengths.

You can explore self-assessment tools and research through sites like Embrace-Autism.com, which provides evidence-based resources designed for self-discovery. And if you want to move forward with a formal diagnosis, I’m happy to connect you with trusted referral partners for neurodiversity-affirming evaluations.

You Are Not Broken. You Are Wired Differently—and That Might Be Your Superpower.

Being autistic doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of struggle. It might mean you need to move through the world a little differently. That’s not a flaw—it’s a feature. Many autistic people have incredible strengths: deep focus, unique problem-solving, unmatched honesty, and powerful intuition.

Learning how to live in alignment with your neurotype isn’t about “overcoming” autism. It’s about discovering the life that fits you best.

If you're questioning, you're already doing the brave work of getting to know yourself more fully. And you're not alone—you're part of a growing, thriving, deeply resilient community.

Ready to take the next step? Visit www.curiousmindcounseling.com or email me at info@curiousmindcounseling.com to schedule a free consultation.