The aim of this study is to highlight and gain an increased understanding of the stigma that can occur while growing up without a correct diagnosis. Furthermore, the study aims to increase understanding of the importance and need for knowledge about autism among social workers who work in school and care environment. Even though society´s view of people with disability has changed for the better in recent times, previous research shows that there is a stigma around people diagnoses with autism. Research also shows that it is not the diagnosis itself that is stigmatizing but the characteristics that are related to it, which can mean that undiagnosed could experience the same stigma. Research further shows that there is a need to educate social workers about the experiences and difficulties that people with autism goes through in life. The empirical data that was used in this study is based on autobiographies written by people diagnosed with autism later in life. In addition to the autobiographies, an interview was conducted with an experienced social worker to deepen the analysis. Qualitative methods are used in the form of manifest qualitative content analysis and a semi structured interview that was transcribed and analyzed together with the autobiographies. To understand the empirical data two theories were used in the analysis process, symbolic interactionism and Goffman’s stigma. The result of this study shows that both authors' upbringing was marked by a difference that was due to deviations in social interaction, exclusion in several social contexts and a development of mental illness. It is also something that is confirmed by the social worker's experiences. Another conclusion from the social worker's experiences is that knowledge is needed to be able to identify individuals with autism and prevent the feeling of stigma and exclusion.