Adulthood on the Spectrum

Adulthood is a tricky stage for most but it can be even trickier if you are on the spectrum; like myself. This is because there’s no greater time of trial and error than during this stage (in my opinion); it also takes a lot of patience, experimentation and hard work to find our own way while evaluating who else fits into our evolving life. A lot of this has to do for me with leaving the very clear cut academic world and entering into a much more confusing, uncertain socially narrated “real world” where our roles are changing, goals may be shifting and there’s a greater pressure to conform to social norms.

Entering into this stage I didn’t know what to expect or what making the transition while still trying to understand myself and define what being an “adult” would look like, how it would shape the choices I’ve made, the new connections I’ve established or my own ambitions. In fact, a lot of adulthood on the spectrum has been figuring out life along the way and being open to where it’s all led. Which hasn’t always been easy and truth be told most of the time it’s acting the way I want to feel- confident, self assured and ready- while also seeking out more understanding and certainty internally, in an attempt to know a little more, stay ahead of the game and feel self assured. Even though there’s no definite answers for this stage and the most we can do is: figure out where we are now, keep an open mind to where life takes us, ask some really good questions when necessary and be open to constantly learning as your understanding shifts, goals get realigned and sense of self continues to evolve over time, through experiences that help to define who we are becoming in the future and adding to who you are maturing into as an adult.

So to answer your question: Yes it is an ongoing process there may be times where it looks like we’ve got it all together but as I’ve experienced still struggle with understanding and looking for certainty. What I’ve realized is that this is impossible to do and so the best way to settle into the journey (that is adulthood) is to buckle up and try to be open because this stage of life is a never ending process of discovery and exploration!

Kylie

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