The reason I say I would have been diagnosed by today’s standards is because I attended my children’s screenings, read their diagnoses, and did additional resea

The reason I say I would have been diagnosed by today’s standards is because I attended my children’s screenings, read their diagnoses, and did additional research. The definition and diagnostic criteria for autism were intentionally broadened so more kids would get identified and led to early interventions. I’m not underselling anyone else’s experience - I’ve seen some of the extreme personal and family difficulties people with severe autism face. I’m saying that for me and my family, we have been well equipped to deal with the difficulties it presents, from a healthcare, social support, family support, and financial perspective. I do not at all identify with the disorder, and we struggle with the degree to describe our kids as well. I was trying to say that a) I am me and I know and like myself, b) by the current diagnostic standards, I believe I would have been diagnosed as a child, and c) I don’t know how much changing b would affect a.