Late-diagnosed autistic adults often face significant trauma from years of misunderstanding, alienation, and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Growing up without understanding their neurodivergence, many struggle with sensory overload, often receiving criticism or even punishment for differences in the ways they interact with the world. These experiences frequently lead to chronic anxiety, isolation, and low self-worth, as well as burnout and depression from the constant need to mask their authentic selves. The realisation of neurodivergence later in life can bring both a sense of validation and grief, prompting a re-evaluation of their life and  complex emotions associated with what could have been different with earlier understanding and support.

A trauma-informed therapeutic approach is essential for creating a safe space during the process of unmasking. This type of support acknowledges the emotional toll of masking and the accumulated trauma, and it provides the empathy and validation necessary to facilitate healing. Trauma-informed therapy helps individuals explore their identity without fear of being pathologised, empowering them to progress at their own pace while recognising triggers and vulnerabilities.

By understanding the impact of systemic biases, stigma, and social exclusion, trauma-informed care helps reframe past experiences often misattributed to personal failure. It encourages grieving for missed opportunities while fostering self-compassion, acceptance, and resilience. The unmasking process, while liberating, is also deeply vulnerable, requiring careful navigation as individuals let go of long-standing survival strategies. Trauma-informed therapeutic support provides a crucial foundation for this journey, focusing on safety, validation, and building authentic ways of engaging with the world.

This presentation will highlight how fostering safe therapeutic alliances can facilitate self-compassion and self-acceptance,  and enhance overall well-being for those experiencing the process of late identification, through both clinical and lived experience perspectives.