Supporting Without a Diagnosis

Supporting an adult with undiagnosed autism can look different to most people, and ours is a quiet, gentle journey. We tend to communicate in questions, with him often asking for information and me asking for details from his experiences. Sometimes, we find ourselves simply looking at each other because we spend so much time at home together.

We might go out for a meal occasionally, and even then, we enjoy peaceful moments in silence. Over time, his circle of friends has become smaller, mainly due to life changes and natural loss, and now he mostly keeps in touch with one close friend.

The household can be a bit different—lights might remain unlit because the fixtures are hard to reach, and he has stepped back from some chores like cleaning, cooking, and shopping. We often remind each other that we're content as long as everything stays calm and peaceful.

While we don't have the same outings or vacations we once enjoyed, we find beauty and comfort in our neighborhood. We love watching the birds in our natural garden that peek in through the windows, especially during our evenings watching TeeVee. We also appreciate the good food brought home from local markets and the routines that keep our home running smoothly.

Lately, he spends a lot of time watching nostalgic videos and photo reels on his tablet, often resting in his cozy space. Previously, he enjoyed watching food tourism videos, especially reviews of Southeast Asian restaurants and buffets. He tends to stay in his pajamas more often now, finding comfort in his everyday rhythms.