Autism in children & teenagers · experiences
We saw it early. Being heard took longer
For many parents, the story does not start with the diagnosis, but with the feeling that something was there and no one listened to it. Below are a number of patterns that often recur.
🔒 These are anonymized, composite patterns based on what patient associations, research and healthcare providers broadly report on this subject. They are not quotes from one specific person. As soon as we receive real, consented experiences, we publish them here carefully and with attribution.
Recognisable patterns
What people often experience
The first signalAround 18 months
“He never waved back. When I mentioned that at the clinic, they said it must have happened naturally.”
From pillar to postMonths to years
“We were sent from the clinic to the GP and back again. No one took control.”
The waiting list20 weeks and longer
“When we finally had a referral, we were on a waiting list again. Meanwhile, school became increasingly difficult.”
Puberty as a tipping pointAround secondary school education
“In primary school things went just well enough. In secondary school everything collapsed.”
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.