Autism Awareness Month is a time to listen, learn, and build understanding. In this post, we share Eden DiPersio’s story along with events and resources in Minnesota that may help people connect with community and support.

A Late Diagnosis Leading to Understanding: Eden’s Story

Content warning: The following story includes references to suicidal ideation and an eating disorder.

You may believe you know yourself well. That you have a pretty good understanding of who you are. I thought the same for 24 years. I knew I was a little “quirky,” whatever that means, and that I was struggling with anxiety and depression. But an autism diagnosis was not what I expected to receive in 2018 at the age of 24.

My mother had always suspected that I was on the spectrum. In fact, she had me tested twice as a child, but was dismissed and told that I did not have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I did not know of this prior testing or of her suspicions. I just thought I was a unique person.

Receiving Clarity Through Diagnosis

Let me back up a bit. I was diagnosed with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) as a child, and I have an obsessive personality. During my freshman year of undergraduate school in 2013, I made the decision to exercise more. I started going to the wellness center on campus and the elliptical machine slowly became a pseudo best friend with whom I had a love/hate relationship. I hated cardio and needed thorough pep talks to begin. But the way I felt afterwards was worth it. I had also made major diet changes and was losing weight. It felt great, but it soon began spiraling out of control.

By 2016, I was experiencing increasing anxiety and depression. I have always had intense fixations on certain things (in addition to some social awkwardness), and I was obsessed with my diet and exercise routine. To this day I don’t know for sure what damage was done cognitively. I know I was malnourished and miserable, having been hospitalized twice in 2018 for suicidal ideation and depression. When I received my ASD diagnosis, I was confused but also relieved to have some kind of answer I could cling to. I did a lot of research to learn more about my diagnosis, which at the time was referred to as Asperger’s syndrome. I realize that term is outdated, but it is the diagnosis I was given.

Embracing Identity

I certainly had a lot of social faux pas growing up and had several special interests. The strongest of these is reading, which has remained my main hobby since I learned how to read. However, I struggled to truly identify with ASD. I have come a long way since then. I no longer struggle with suicidal ideation. I am on medication and see a therapist regularly who helps me identify maladaptive thought patterns and replace them with new ways of thinking about myself and about life. I also have a new diagnosis as of late 2025: combined-type ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). I am wading through medications to see what would be the best one for me to take in combination with regular therapy.

These diagnoses have made some things easier and other things more challenging. I struggle to not use my diagnoses as a crutch. “I do that because I’m autistic” or “I struggle with that due to ADHD” are common statements for me. They are a part of my identity but not the whole thing; I want these diagnoses to be acknowledged but not to be defined by them. Being that I was diagnosed later in life, I am still trying to figure out what my needs are. Do I need accommodations at work? Which ones do I need? Do I dislike loud noises because of sensory sensitivities or just because I’m human?

Just Getting Started

I still have a lot to figure out, but I’m in no rush. I am blessed to be the person that I am and feel lucky to have received a proper diagnosis at all. I thought I had myself figured out years ago, but as it turns out, I was just getting started and may never have everything figured out. And that is okay.

Ways to Connect This Month

Eden’s story shows how diagnosis, support, and self-understanding can shape a person’s path. During Autism Awareness Month, there are also opportunities to join community events and find Minnesota-based resources.

2026 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol
Join 2026 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 29, to connect with other advocates and speak up on disability issues that affect Minnesotans. The day includes check-in, a rally in the Capitol Rotunda, meetings with legislators, and access supports such as ASL, CART, seating, wheelchair space, and a sensory-friendly space.

Minnesota Virtual Autism Conference
The 2026 Minnesota Autism Conference, hosted by the Autism Society of Minnesota, takes place virtually on April 15-16. The conference includes two virtual half days of live programming and presentations from speakers with autism and experienced professionals. Recordings are available for one month after the event.

Autism Partners and Resources

In addition to these events, several organizations offer information, support, and practical guidance for people with autism, family members, employers, and others.

Autism Society of Minnesota
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community-building opportunities for the Minnesota autism community. AuSM’s mission is to create connections and empower people with the resources they need to live fully.

ADA Minnesota
ADA Minnesota provides information, education, and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act for people with disabilities, family members, businesses, government agencies, and others across the state. ADA Minnesota is a program of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living.

ADA National Network
The ADA National Network provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its resources include autism-related information on topics such as employment and health care access.

Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network offers free, confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN also has autism-specific resources for employees, job seekers, and employers with questions about workplace support.