Knowing that you are on the spectrum while you are young is very beneficial. As someone who never knew, I find I wasted a lot of time and effort trying to be like everyone else, unaware of the ASD influences governing my thought process and emotions. I could have saved myself a lot of heartache and disappointment if I had known what ASD was and how it supports or limits abilities. Of greater importance is having an understanding of how an environment sets off ADD and that maintaining predictable schedules was a necessary component to developing the focus skills necessary to get through the demands of school, extracurricular activities, and some kind of social life. As a child, I was expected to do everything that everyone else was doing. That required serious guidance that was lacking in my environment. I had freedom, and I was known to be responsible. What could possibly go wrong?
All of us on the spectrum make an issue out of it because we are reminded constantly that ASD is with us. The rest of the world doesn't care, so we have to manage our lives with some very specific support systems in place. I had none. I was like a pinball machine ricocheting all over the place, just to get through the day. I never knew what I could count on, nor did I understand where gloom and doom was lurking. I became used to failure and confusion, but I kept doing what I was supposed to do because I was always loyal and obedient. This way of living taxed my energy and my confidence over and over again. It made me feel like a dummy. I had real problems that needed real solutions. The first thought being "know your weaknesses".
Knowing you are on the spectrum is worthless if you don't understand what to do about it. It's there and it's forever. Now what? ASD is only a problem when your perceived abilities fail you. You manage life better when you are aware of your strengths and your weaknesses. I think the best lessons for someone on the spectrum is to understand what brings you joy, and what brings you pain. Even a hiker wants to know the length of the trail and the elevation of incline to measure their challenges before they set out. Anyone on the spectrum has to learn to think this way. There are some trails that should never be attempted.
You have an advantage in life if you are keenly aware of what ASD is to you and how it impacts on your life goals and interests. I, for one, accepted life challenges without knowing my limitations. That facilitated my thoughts of a life of adventure and unique experiences, but it was extremely difficult at times. I felt that I was making the same mistakes over and over again. I never understood why. Now, I wish I had known so that I could have avoided those potholes, barriers, obstacles, and wasted energy. If I had known, I would not have had the experiences that I find intriguing and exciting. In this respect I would agree with the saying "innocence is bliss". I tested myself and I found a lot of limitations. But, as a pinball machine, I keep ricocheting. I don't recommend it. It's tiring.
Being aware of serious conditions that require serious consideration is an advantage that should be taken seriously. We are not victims. We live with conditions that we can tolerate if we give them proper attention. The NT world has its own uphill battles too. Different game, different rules. Nobody with ASD should ever feel ashamed. Some people take the highway. I prefer the back roads because the scenery is more interesting. Learn to love your difference.