The term identity comes from the Latin noun definition
The term identity comes from the Latin noun identitas,” which means the same. The term, referring to a person's mental image of him or herself thus implies some sameness with others in a particular way. Each individual may have a number of identities, such as an ethnic identity, a religious identity, or a national identity.” (Steensma, Kreukels, de Vries, & Cohen-Kettenis, 2013) Individuals with ASD who have the sense of self that is based, at least partially on, the attitudes of others that have been described will have difficulty developing a coherent identity (or sameness with others in a particular way). On the one hand, they may struggle identifying with others with ASD, while on the other hand they may see themselves as different than neurotypical individuals so will struggle identifying with that group. This can further feelings of isolation and anxiety.