When I look back to when I was a kid I had sensory issues which is the main thing I would think about

When I look back to when I was a kid I had sensory issues which is the main thing I would think about

15 June 2022

A CROSSGAR woman has revealed what life is like for someone who doesn’t receive a diagnosis of autism until they are an adult.

Erin Curran, who is an author, received her diagnosis of autism just last week at the age of 23 and now wants to help raise awareness of the issue of adult diagnosis.

Erin has always found it challenging to understand the world around her.

“When I look back to when I was a kid I had sensory issues which is the main thing I would think about,” she recalled.

“I had to hide from fireworks and also I couldn't stick discos because it would get very overwhelming. I actually used to sneak off and sleep in the tuck shop in my primary school when they were on as it was just too much for me.

“I hated balloons because I knew they were capable of making a loud noise.”

Her difficulties extended to beyond loud noises.

“I had a problem with vegetables and wouldn't eat them, not because of the taste, but the texture. My parents would joke and say they couldn't get me to eat a piece of broccoli.”

Forming friendships was particularly difficult for Erin in primary school.

“I always struggled to connect with people as I knew I was a bit different but the thing that's common with girls with autism that I only discovered years later is that we mask how we behave and try to mimic people around us,” she said.

“In order to make friends I would try to be like the other girls and act the way they did rather than be my own individual self. I think the other girls sensed that and it put them off a bit as I did struggle to get along with others in primary school.”

She said she was luckier with friendships in high school, but that the signs of autism became obvious through hyperfixations.

“That's one singular thing that we throw all our interest into and it becomes our thing so you can't get us to talk about anything else,” she explained. The Hunger Games was one of those obsessions.

“I did go to my GP about this level of obsession because I didn't think it was normal. I was told it was typical of a teenager to have something that they're obsessed with and it was nothing to worry about.”

But with five members of her family having autism, she was concerned and went back to her doctor who referred her to Finneston House in Downpatrick.

“At the time I was told that there was a two-year waiting list and then Covid happened, so I only finally got my answers at the end of May. I did my own research before I approached the doctor as autism shows differently in girls and boys,” she explained.

“Girls are much more likely to be diagnosed later in life because they mask it, so when I read about all the symptoms they resonated with me which meant I always sort of knew that I was autistic. 

“Now that I know it feels very cathartic and a relief.”

Erin will now be referred to support groups and have the chance to meet others who have been diagnosed in adulthood.