Autism diagnosis as an adult: Challenges, tips, and 3 benefits

Key Takeaways

While most people think of autism as a condition that affects children, it can be diagnosed at any age. Many adults who weren’t professionally evaluated as children receive an autism diagnosis later in life.
The decision to seek an autism diagnosis as an adult is a personal one. However, a diagnosis can offer benefits like helping you better understand yourself and opening doors for accommodations and support.
To receive an autism diagnosis as an adult, you’ll need to meet with a specialist. Your current doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist may be able to refer you to someone who can conduct an evaluation and make recommendations.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how someone communicates, learns, behaves, and interacts with others. Today, autism is typically diagnosed during childhood — usually before a child enters school. But, in the past, there was less understanding and awareness of autism, and many children were never evaluated or diagnosed. Now, growing numbers of adults are seeking an autism diagnosis for the first time.

If you’re an adult and suspect you might have autism, you could be wondering if it’s worth pursuing a diagnosis at your age. This is something only you can decide, and a variety of factors can influence your choice. But as you consider what’s best for you, know that a diagnosis can be a helpful option and there’s support available for neurodivergent people of all ages.

Understanding autism in adults

There are many reasons you may not have received a diagnosis when you were younger. For example, maybe your symptoms were mild and easy to mask, so your autism remained under the radar. Or perhaps you simply didn’t have access to a provider who could conduct an assessment.

No matter the reason you’re currently undiagnosed, if you’re an adult who suspects you may have autism, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most common signs. While this can’t take the place of a professional evaluation, it can help you better understand yourself as you consider next steps.

Signs of autism in adults include:

Difficulty understanding how others think and feel
Discomfort in social settings
Trouble making friends or forming relationships
Preferring to spend time alone
Seeming cold or blunt to others, even if you don’t mean to
Difficulty expressing your feelings
Trouble understanding sarcasm or taking things too literally
A strong preference for routine
Discomfort with eye contact
Sensory sensitivities
Ability to notice patterns or small details others miss
Deep interest in certain hobbies, topics, or activities

Three reasons to get diagnosed with autism as an adult

Seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult is a personal decision that’s ultimately up to you. But there are a few reasons you may wish to consider a diagnosis.

Getting an autism diagnosis can help you:

Increase your self awareness. If you’re an adult with autism, you may have spent many years struggling to understand why you behave, think, or feel differently than other people seem to. You may have also had difficulty expressing yourself, maintaining relationships, or fitting in. And you may carry some shame around these differences. Getting diagnosed can help you see these traits as a result of autism, not a personal failing.
Open doors to support. In some cases, having an official diagnosis can open doors for helpful accommodations at work and school. A diagnosis may be required to access services or therapies that can help you navigate your symptoms, strengthen your social skills, and improve your quality of life.
Join a supportive community. From online forums to social skills groups for autistic people, there are many ways to build connections with other autistic people. While having a diagnosis can help you articulate your experience in these spaces, it’s by no means required to join the neurodiversity community.

It’s worth mentioning that some people may worry that getting an autism diagnosis could result in stigmatization. This isn’t an unfounded fear, and you don’t need to disclose your diagnosis if it doesn’t feel safe doing so. However, it’s important to know that attitudes about autism are changing. With each passing year, more people are discovering the ways that neurodiversity can be a strength and an asset to be celebrated.

Next steps for receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult

If you’re interested in receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult, start by consulting with one of your existing providers. For example, if you have a primary care doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist, they may be able to make a referral to a specialist who can diagnose autism in adults.

Typically, you’ll need a medical diagnosis from a doctoral-level psychiatrist, psychologist, or neuropsychologist if you’re interested in applying for disability benefits. But you can also receive a diagnosis from other providers with relevant experience, like a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or pediatric neurologist. Some of these professionals may typically work with children. But you can contact them to see if they’re open to accepting adult patients.

During your evaluation, your provider will consult the diagnostic criteria for autism outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). But since there’s no formal checklist for diagnosing autism in adults, they’ll also rely on their observations and your reported history.

Once they finalize your diagnosis, they can make recommendations about the types of support that may benefit you. This might include things like work programs or career services, local or community autism organizations, and various therapies that can support you throughout your life.

Find care with Rula

The decision to seek an autism diagnosis as an adult is personal, and it’s not for everyone. But if you’re on the fence, know that it can help you accept yourself, access support, and build community. Autism is a form of neurodiversity that exists on a spectrum, and there may be times when therapy and other support services can be helpful.

So if you’re interested in speaking with a therapist who can help you navigate autism as an adult, we invite you to explore Rula. In just a few minutes, you can sort through our extensive network of over 10,000 providers to find a therapist who takes your insurance and offers the specialty care you deserve. No matter the issues you’re facing, with Rula, you can connect with a mental health professional of your choice via live video as soon as tomorrow.

About the author

Liz Talago

Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences. In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.

Rula's editorial process

Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness. Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.