[Rika]

I've been through it all as a kid and teenager. I don't technically think the doctors etc knew exactly what I had, so autism was what I believe doctors went with. I was a minor at the time, and do not recall very much back in those days. This was back during the 90s and early 00s, though. Family who work in daycare or similar stated it's way more like common these days to know right away if a child or person has autism. I've felt like I accepted that answer even if I was a minor who was unable to advocate or speak up for myself back then.

As an adult getting a dx I do not know, but Google-fu said:

A qualified healthcare professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can diagnose autism in adults. Adults who aren't diagnosed in childhood may benefit from a diagnosis later in life. However, many adults learn to live with their symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult. One reason an adult ASD diagnosis can be tricky is that you've probably become very good at managing.