This chapter presents the first empirically derived four-stage model of autistic self-discovery. Our findings reveal four themes that represent the developmental journey beginning long before diagnosis disclosure: (1) early experiences of difference, (2) hidden diagnosis period with intuitive questioning, (3) diagnosis revelation and active meaning-making, and (4) identity integration. The model traces the journey from early, unconscious experiences of difference and a hidden diagnosis period characterized by intuitive questioning, to the transformative process of diagnosis revelation, and finally, the integration of an autistic identity. Analysis identified a two-phase search engine process, where children passively collect clues about their differences before actively investigating following diagnosis disclosure. These findings inform recommendations for clinicians and parents: recognize early signs of difference, provide age-appropriate responses to children’s questions, support emotional processing during diagnosis revelation, and facilitate connections with autistic peers during identity development.