What does Autism look like in Adults
Autism can affect adults in different ways, particularly in social communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, flexibility, and relationships. These differences may impact work, relationships, and daily life.
For some adults, autism may not have been recognised during childhood. They may develop coping strategies or mask their difficulties, which can require significant effort and contribute to stress, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed.
Common areas of difference include:
Social Communication – Difficulty interpreting social cues, tone, facial expressions, or conversation.
Relationships – Challenges developing and maintaining friendships or navigating social situations.
Sensory Processing – Increased or reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or busy environments.
Routine & Flexibility – A preference for structure and predictability, with unexpected changes causing stress.
Emotional Regulation – Difficulty understanding and managing emotions, particularly under stress.
Focused Interests – Strong interests that can provide enjoyment, expertise, and a sense of achievement.
Self-Regulation – Repetitive behaviours or routines that may help manage stress and sensory experiences.
Masking – Adapting or suppressing natural behaviours to meet social expectations, which can be exhausting.
Autism looks different for everyone. Alongside challenges, autistic adults may have strengths such as creativity, attention to detail, persistence, honesty, pattern recognition, and specialist knowledge.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation A 15-minute consultation call to discuss your concerns and determine suitability for assessment.
Phase 2: Questionnaires You complete validated online questionnaires before your assessment appointment.
Phase 3: Clinical Interview A 60-minute clinical interview conducted in person or virtually to explore your developmental history, current functioning, and support needs.
Phase 4: In-Person Assessment A 60-minute individual assessment conducted in person, including clinical interview and observation in a clinical setting.
Phase 5: Feedback Session A 50-minute feedback session to review your comprehensive report and discuss findings. Available in person or virtually.
What to Expect from the Assessment
Comprehensive written assessment report with findings and diagnostic conclusion (if applicable)
Recommendations for understanding your profile and accessing appropriate support
Guidance on disclosure and self-advocacy strategies
Follow-up support available at €110 per session
What You'll Receive
Still uncertain if you may have autism.
Here are some questions of that can be helpful to ask them to reflect on
I have difficulty understanding the 'unspoken rules' of social situations
There are certain repetitive actions that others consider to be 'characteristic' of me (e.g., stroking my hair)
Sometimes the presence of a smell makes it hard for me to focus on anything else
I often insist on doing things in a certain way, or re-doing things until they are ‘just right’
I feel discomfort when prevented from completing a particular routine
There are certain objects that I fiddle or play with that can help me calm down or collect my thoughts
I expend a lot of mental energy trying to fit in with others
These questions are pulled from the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI). If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be helpful for you to complete the full questionnaire. Their responses can provide useful additional information and help inform your decision to pursue an assessment. It is important to note that the results of a questionnaire are not, in themselves, sufficient to provide a definitive diagnosis. Rather, they are intended to support and inform the overall psychological assessment process.
Click here for the full questionnaire.