Hi Ryan, welcome to the site!

Wow, I can sure relate to a lot of what you brought up there, from needing to break away whenever in a large group setting to having strong empathetic reactions to movies. Heck, I even recall feeling a bit like a ghost myself. Sometimes I'd step foot outside the door and wonder if the neighbors would be surprised to discover another kid was actually living there. Hah!

As for your questions, I feel the best response is always that it depends upon your situation. If you are having a rough time and feel as though treating SPD may help you in any way, a professional diagnosis can be valuable. It has often been said that there is no time too late, that the treatment can prove some level of effectiveness at any age.

Your workplace sounds like it's a good match for you, based on how you describe it. It really depends upon how you get along with people there and whether or not you feel any accommodations might help you. If there are parts of your job that trigger sensory issues for you, then perhaps an explaining the situation to someone could prove advantageous. If you do not experience any issues like that at work, then it is merely a matter of how close you are with the people there and whether or not you want to share such personal matters.

As for myself, I sought treatment right away because I was in a desperate situation and needed help quickly. I also was working a job that was awful for me at the time, and needed to communicate with my employers to tell them why I was having a hard time on the job. I eventually had to leave, as they were unable to accommodate as thoroughly as I would have needed. The two jobs I have had since then I have also communicated my issues with my employers, though I can happily report that I have had little to no sensory issues with those jobs. I do not believe that being open and communicating these things has been damaging to any of my jobs, but it is up to you to gauge whether or not they will be receptive and understanding. Personally, I wouldn't want to work in a place where they weren't.

I hope this helped, and I hope you are able to find support and help here!