Denied autism diagnosis as a child, person finds their photo in a magazine — and finally feels seen

Every child deserves a childhood built on honesty, amusement, and learning about themselves and their background — but what happens when you spend all those years not knowing about the real issues that plague your life? Sef — who goes by the username @sefscatterbrain on Instagram — shared how they were denied a proper diagnosis for autism as a child, pushing them to feel out of sync with the world constantly. Life, however, decided to pay them back by featuring them in a magazine

In the video, Sef shares how their childhood had been difficult — despite sitting for 2 separate autism evaluations for behavioral issues, they were never diagnosed with autism until they were 22. However, what challenged them the most through the tender age was being “labelled” with unspecified social challenges and undergoing autism behavior modification therapy — they say, “It truly f***ed me up and my ability to connect with people.” It is a program aimed towards minimizing 'autistic' traits and promoting more socially accepted ways of behaving. While it involves several steps like 'visual aid,' 'positive/negative reinforcement' and more, when applied incorrectly, it could severely stunt a child's growth. During Sef's childhood, the evaluators looked at them and thought, “This is not what autism looks like,” and now their picture is being used in a magazine to showcase how autism is a spectrum. Their poor experience became grounds for new research that now ensures no one else has to suffer the way they did.

Even though Sef cannot reverse the challenges they had to go through as a child, they choose to be happy being recognized, even if it's a little too late. If only the evaluators had taken a chance and looked beyond what they knew back then, Sef could have had a different life experience growing up, a different lens through which to view the world. They emphasize how “kids deserve to grow up knowing who they are, what they need, and having those needs met.”

According to a survey by Autism Speaks, 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism. The survey reveals that autism can be diagnosed as early as the age of 2, but the average age for diagnosis in the US is 5. Another study looked at 4,498 children, among whom 1,135 (25%) had autism indicators, which still didn't result in an autism diagnosis. A 2021 study by Camilla Gesi and others reveals that about 75 percent of people received an ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) diagnosis about 8 years after their first mental health evaluation. Finally, research conducted by Steven D Stagg and others states that individuals who grew up with undiagnosed autism felt much more tuned to their 'self' after receiving a proper diagnosis. This may happen because a formal diagnosis normalizes many behaviors or tendencies that are otherwise perceived as abnormal. It helps add a reason, provide a 'why' for how someone acts, going so far as to establish their lack of control over such things.

This wholesome video attracted many viewers, and some of them shared their opinions as well. @agentsofheeling shared, “No, it is big. A psychologist or a neurologist seeing a face like us represent us is huge,” while @green.circle.textiles reassured, “You're not making it bigger than it is! It's important and it means a lot to you and that's awesome.” @gueiros.rachel expressed, “They still have no fucking clue what autism looks like in young girls, so you go you. And you should be proud. This is beautiful. I have no means or access to this magazine, but just yes,” and @lordlala.sketchbook complimented, “Diagnosed AuDHD at 52! That is a gorgeous photo of you. I’d read that article!”

You can follow Sef (@sefscatterbrain) on Instagram for more wholesome content.