AQ Test: Navigating Your Autistic Identity After a High Score
Receiving a high score from an AQ test can feel like the final piece of a puzzle you've been solving your entire life. It’s a moment that can bring a tidal wave of emotions—relief, validation, confusion, and even anxiety. If you're standing at this new beginning, wondering what if I am autistic?, please know this: you are not alone, and your feelings are entirely valid. This guide is here to be a compassionate companion on your journey of self-discovery, helping you navigate your emotions and embrace the unique, authentic person you are.
The Autism Quotient (AQ) test is a powerful tool for self-exploration. It offers a glimpse into traits you may have always felt but couldn't name. To begin this journey of understanding, you can take the free AQ test on our website and explore the deeper meaning of your AQ score.
Understanding Your Feelings after a High AQ Score
The first step after receiving your results is to give yourself space to feel. There is no right or wrong way to react. For many, this moment is the start of a profound emotional journey, often encompassing a mix of seemingly contradictory feelings. Acknowledging and sitting with these emotions is a crucial part of the process.
Relief and Validation: Understanding Your AQ Test Results
For many adults, a high score on an autism test for adults brings an overwhelming sense of relief. It can feel like a lifetime of feeling "different," struggling with social cues, or experiencing sensory sensitivities finally has a name. This feeling of validation is powerful. It’s the "aha" moment where past challenges and misunderstandings click into place, not as personal failings, but as characteristics of a different neurotype. Memories you once viewed with shame—like social missteps or intense focus on a specific topic—can now be re-contextualized through a lens of understanding. This newfound clarity can be incredibly liberating, allowing you to look back on your life with more kindness and compassion.
Grief and Loss
Alongside relief, it's common to experience a sense of grief. You might mourn the "what ifs"—wondering how your life might have been different with earlier understanding and support. You may grieve for the person you thought you were supposed to be, or for the immense energy spent masking your true self to fit into a neurotypical world. This is a natural part of processing a new aspect of your identity. Allowing yourself to acknowledge this sadness is an act of self-compassion and a necessary step toward acceptance. This grief isn't a sign of regret, but a recognition of the challenges you've overcome without knowing why they were there.
Anxiety and Uncertainty
"What now?" This question often brings a wave of anxiety. A high AQ score opens up a new chapter, but the path forward can feel uncertain. You may worry about how this new understanding will affect your relationships, your career, or your self-perception. You might even experience imposter syndrome, questioning if you are "autistic enough." The prospect of unmasking or changing long-held habits can be daunting. Remember to take it one day at a time. This is your journey, and you get to decide the pace and what changes you want to make, if any. If you're seeking more detailed insights to ease this uncertainty, our AI-powered report can offer personalized guidance.
Embracing Your Autistic Identity
Moving from understanding your feelings to embracing your identity is a gradual and deeply personal process. It's about shifting from seeing your traits as deficits to recognizing them as integral parts of who you are. This is where the journey toward authentic self-acceptance truly begins, especially for those experiencing signs of late diagnosed autism.
Practicing Radical Acceptance of Your Autistic Identity
Radical acceptance means acknowledging your reality without judgment. It’s about accepting your autistic traits, your past struggles, and your future possibilities as they are. This isn't about giving up; it's about letting go of the fight against your own nature. Start small. Notice your sensory needs without criticizing them—wear noise-canceling headphones in public if it helps. Acknowledge when you need time alone to recharge instead of forcing yourself to be social. Allow yourself to engage in your special interests without shame. Each act of acceptance builds a stronger foundation for personal growth.
Re-evaluating Your Life Story
With the lens of a potential autistic identity, you can begin to re-evaluate your life story. Memories that were once sources of shame or confusion can be reframed. Perhaps the "shyness" you were chided for was actually a response to social overstimulation. The "obsessions" you had were deep, passionate interests that brought you joy and demonstrated your capacity for intense focus. That time you were called "blunt" or "rude" can be re-examined as an instance of direct, honest communication, a common autistic trait. This reframing is an empowering exercise that allows you to reclaim your narrative and see the strengths inherent in your neurotype.
Communicating Your New Understanding
Deciding if, when, and how to share this new understanding with loved ones is a significant step. There is no pressure to disclose to anyone you're not comfortable with. If you do choose to share, be prepared for a range of reactions. Some may be immediately supportive, while others may need time to understand. You can start by explaining what you've learned and how it helps you understand yourself better, perhaps starting with, "I've been learning something about myself that explains a lot about how I experience the world." This is about inviting them into your world, not seeking their permission or approval.
Practical Strategies for Your Autistic Life
Understanding your neurotype is the first step; the next is learning to work with it. Integrating practical strategies into your daily life can reduce stress, conserve energy, and allow you to thrive.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Many autistic individuals experience heightened sensory sensitivity. Take stock of your living and working spaces. Do bright fluorescent lights drain your energy? Consider switching to warmer, dimmable LED bulbs. Is background noise distracting? Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can be life-changing. Pay attention to textures in clothing and bedding. Creating a "sensory sanctuary"—a quiet, comfortable space in your home where you can decompress—can be an essential tool for emotional regulation.
Leverage Your Autistic Strengths
Autism comes with a unique set of strengths. Many autistic people excel at pattern recognition, logical thinking, and deep, sustained focus (often called hyperfocus). You may have a strong sense of justice, unwavering loyalty, and a remarkable memory for details. Identify your unique strengths and find ways to lean into them. These are not just quirks; they are valuable assets in your personal and professional life. Channel your deep focus into a hobby or career you love. Use your pattern-recognition skills to solve complex problems. Embrace your authentic self.
Finding Your Community and Next Steps
You don't have to walk this path alone. Connecting with others and finding the right resources are crucial next steps that can transform your journey from one of uncertainty to one of empowerment. The question of high AQ score what next is best answered with community and support.
Connecting with the Neurodivergent Community
One of the most powerful steps you can take is to connect with the autistic and wider neurodivergent community. Finding people who share similar experiences can be profoundly validating. Online forums like Reddit (e.g., r/autisminwomen, r/AutismInAdults), social media groups, and local meetups are filled with individuals who understand the nuances of autistic life. Hearing their stories and sharing your own can dissolve feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging you may have been searching for your whole life.
Considering Professional Guidance After Your AQ Test
While the AQ test is an invaluable screening tool, it is not a formal diagnosis. For some, self-identification is enough. For others, seeking a formal diagnosis from a qualified professional who specializes in adult autism can provide further clarity, access to workplace accommodations, and definitive validation. Research professionals in your area and don't be afraid to ask about their experience with adult and late-diagnosed autistics. Additionally, you may want to seek out neurodiversity-affirming therapists who can help you navigate this journey, not by trying to "fix" your autistic traits, but by helping you develop coping strategies and build a life that honors your needs.
Your journey of understanding and self-acceptance is ongoing, and Aqtest.org is here to support you with further insights and resources. We encourage you to explore our comprehensive guides on topics like what to do after a high AQ score what next or consider seeking professional guidance. Your unique neurotype is a part of who you are, and embracing it can lead to a richer, more authentic life.