Gatekeeping Autism Diagnosis: How Insurance Silences Adult Autism—and Capitalism Benefits
The Real Reason Adults Are Now Denied Access and How the System Benefits from Their Silence
“Why didn’t anyone notice?”
As a licensed therapist who specializes in adult autism assessment and leads a team of evaluators, I hear this question from many late-diagnosed autistic adults—whether in their 20s, 40s, or even later. It’s far from rhetorical; it carries grief, anger, and deep reflection. Looking back on years marked by misdiagnosis, anxiety, burnout, and self-blame, many realize their experience wasn’t just personal oversight—it was systemic. And a major player in that system? Insurance companies.