There is no such thing as "awakening too early." You either "awaken" or you don't. Time is not a factor. Case in point, I always knew what I was since before I could talk. Of course, no one's going to take a two year old seriously when they try to describe what they are, people just assume said child is playing.

I've always been dragon. Friends in school thought I might be some kind of cat because of how I moved and acted. So with this example in mind, maybe think of things similar to cat. Like the others say though, you should feel a strong draw. It will resonate and you'll feel it in your bones. Best I can describe it...

*rubs her face* And side comment, when something draws your attention to it, it very well might intensify for a bit if you've got any astral appendages.

Also, keep in mind that some people may simply just be shapeshifters, having a more malleable spiritual form than others, and not "be" something at all other than "themselves."

I have seen myself in dreams both as a bird and as a dragon.