Is it better to know about AS since childhood or not?

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hey (sorry) - the 'man' and the 'lab': view as random firings of neurons.
Just like inside the cranium of the NT, the 'autistic' has a meat computer. Unfortunately, mine is loaded with an OS that is incompatible with autism; ie: view Language as the basic framework for cognition. [ see below: * ]
imho - there existed (or exists?) an evolutionary imperative for autism; thus, altho our lives can seem a bit difficult - the human race could be grateful (someday) to have us around.
*[Having been employed at a group home where some 'non-verbal' brethren lived, I came to view them as lucky in that their brains were less encumbered (read: conflicted) by having to use NT logic. PS: it's a noble&edifying work to be with them.]

I wasn't told until I was 18. Personally, I'm not sure why everyone here is saying "I'm glad I didn't know" as though it something that we all need to be proud of. Honestly, I would have LOVED to know I was different from other kids, adults and people. Instead, I lived my youngest years into my late teens alone, afraid and feeling that there was just something inherently wrong with me (which, even factoring in AS, wasn't even the case. I was just naturally different). If I had know, I would have likely read up on what was going on with my mind, sought treatment or help to manage how I was "different".

Yes, I get that other people aren't in charge of how I lead my own life and I'm comfortable with that. But the harm done by keeping a young kid ignorant of who he really is is unforgivable to me. Like, REALLY, unforgivable to me.

In my point of view it's better to get the diagnosis in an adolescent age or earlier.

Some arguments for that are the following:

* You are more likely to adapt your life choices after your actual conditions - wiser life choices
* Being different without understanding why can to lead to high amounts of stress during a long time
* Higher chance that you will get better tools to deal with life as a result of insights that the awareness of the diagnosis gives you.

Self acceptance as a result of getting a diagnosis is also important, because without that you are likely to push your self hard in order to fit in and therefore get unreasonable high demands on you.

Burnouts, mental unhealth and unwise life choices in relation to your conditions are potential consequenses of not getting a diagnosis at early age.