The common idea that autism is a straight line or spectrum—from "very autistic" to "not very autistic"—is not only incorrect but also harmful. Autistic people, like everyone else, are unique, with strengths and challenges that vary from person to person.

For those of us who are autistic, these differences are better understood as a “wheel.” The autism wheel shows that our experiences span multiple areas, like sensory needs, communication, social abilities, and executive functioning. Some areas might present more challenges, while others might be strengths.

This way of thinking helps us move away from unfair comparisons or judgments and instead reminds us that autism isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’re not “more” or “less” autistic; we’re just different in how our needs and abilities show up. The wheel helps to celebrate that individuality while showing where support or accommodations might help us thrive- and can be used as an actually useful tool.

The autistic experience is incredibly diverse, but one common thread is the unique way we navigate a world that isn’t always designed with our needs in mind. For many of us, these challenges aren’t intrinsic to being autistic but stem from environments and systems that fail to accommodate or understand our needs. This lack of understanding can contribute to mental health difficulties, such as anxiety or depression.

On top of this, traditional approaches to mental health treatment often aren’t tailored to suit the needs of autistic individuals. What works for neurotypical people may not work for us, and this mismatch can make it even harder to access effective support. Adapting approaches to consider our experiences is essential—not only for reducing distress but also for building pathways to thrive.

Getting an autism diagnosis can be a very personal journey, and for many of us, it’s not always straightforward. It can feel incredibly validating to finally have a name for experiences that might have felt confusing or isolating for so long. But at the same time, the process itself can be frustrating, especially with long waiting lists or professionals who may not fully understand how autism shows up in adults or different groups of people.

In the UK, there’s something called the Right to Choose. This means you can ask your GP to refer you to an approved provider outside of your local NHS service—at no cost to you—if waiting times are unreasonably long. It’s an option that many autistic people have found helpful for accessing assessments sooner.

It’s also really important to remember that a diagnosis doesn’t define you—it’s just a tool. For some, it opens up access to accommodations at work or school and helps us communicate our needs more clearly. But whether you’re diagnosed or self-identified, you’re no less valid, and you deserve understanding, respect, and the support to thrive.