Ed Levels and dx age

 I came across an intriguing fact today. 

Individuals who get an ADHD diagnosis in childhood tend to attain lower levels of education than individuals who get an ADHD in adulthood (Wymbs & Dawson-2015).

I wonder if there is a parallel in autism too. Do autistics who get dx in childhood have lower ed levels than autistics who get dx in adulthood. (though I could not see much research on this)

I would think so - cuz despite the claim that you get better access to childhood autism therapy (most of which does not work by the way), you also end up facing a lot of gatekeeping from an educational system that fundamentally starts off with a view of lower exceptions of anyone with a disability dx, which means you are often kept out of mainstream education, gatekeeped out of opportunities than those without a dx would have access to if they chose to pursue it. We are not even given that option of opportunities as everything and everyone around you indicates over and over that you are incapable of more than just surviving and being pushed up and out of the school system (parallels to the school-prison pipeline in minority communities). 

All this constant stigma and discrimination takes a toll on mental health, self-esteem, and motivation. If the ed foundational legs at the basic school level is non-supportive and discouraging, there is no motivation to complete and attempt yet another potentially demotivating/discouraging environment. 

Ironically I find that though it's a lot more work/effort (the disability part), ed is actually much more non-judgmental and freeing at college level compared to school, but you have to first navigate the school system; a step many may not be able to cross, to even make it to college.