Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how individuals experience the world, communicate, process information and interact with others. Autism is not an illness or a disease, and it does not need to be “fixed”. It reflects natural variation in human neurodevelopment.
Autism is present from birth, although it may not be recognised until later in childhood, adolescence or adulthood particularly in individuals who mask their difficulties or whose presentation does not match outdated stereotypes
Autism is characterised by differences in social communication and interaction, restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and sensory processing.
These differences exist on a spectrum and vary widely between individuals. No two autistic people are the same.
Autism can affect:
Communication style
Social understanding and interaction
Sensory processing (e.g. sound, light, texture, movement)
Need for predictability and routine
Emotional regulation
Information processing and attention
Autism is often described as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world, rather than a deficit.
Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical assessment, not a single test.
An autism assessment typically includes:
A detailed developmental history
Exploration of current strengths and challenges
Clinical interviews and observation
Standardised questionnaires or assessment tools (e.g., ADI-R, ADOS-2)
Information from parents, partners, teachers or other relevant adults (where appropriate)
For adults, diagnosis focuses on current functioning and lived experience, alongside evidence of autistic traits across the lifespan even if these were not recognised in childhood. Diagnosis relies on clinical expertise and recognised diagnostic criteria.
Autistic children may present in many different ways. Some common features include:
Differences in social communication (e.g. reduced eye contact, literal interpretation, difficulty with back-and-forth conversation)
Preference for routine and predictability
Strong interests or focused passions
Sensory sensitivities or sensory seeking behaviours
Emotional distress during transitions or change
Differences in play or peer relationships
Some children particularly girls may present quietly, appear socially engaged, or be highly compliant while experiencing significant internal distress.
Many autistic adults reach adulthood without a diagnosis, particularly those who learned to adapt their behaviour to fit in. Adult autism may present as:
Social exhaustion or burnout
Difficulty maintaining relationships despite strong desire for connection
Sensory overload in everyday environments
High anxiety, especially in social or unpredictable situations
Rigid thinking or difficulty with change
Feeling “different” without knowing why
Needing significant downtime to recover from daily demands
Autistic adults may appear outwardly capable while experiencing high levels of internal strain.
Masking refers to the conscious or unconscious effort to hide autistic traits in order to fit in socially. This can include copying social behaviours, rehearsing conversations, suppressing sensory responses or forcing eye contact.
While masking may help individuals navigate certain environments, it often comes at a significant cost, including:
Chronic fatigue and burnout
Anxiety or depression
Loss of sense of identity
Increased sensory sensitivity
High levels of masking are a common reason autism is identified later in life.
Autism has a strong genetic component, and it is common for autistic traits to be present across families. When one family member is identified as autistic, others may recognise similar experiences in themselves.
For many individuals, receiving an autism diagnosis provides validation, understanding and self-compassion, rather than limitation.
Autism frequently co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions, including:
ADHD
Dyslexia or dyspraxia
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Sleep difficulties
Gastrointestinal or sensory processing differences
Co-occurring conditions do not cause autism, but they can influence how support needs present.
When autism is unrecognised or unsupported, individuals may experience:
Ongoing stress and overwhelm
Mental health difficulties
Social isolation
Burnout
With appropriate understanding, adjustments and support, autistic individuals can thrive. Support focuses on reducing barriers, increasing self-understanding and promoting wellbeing not changing who someone is.
Different Minds (ADHD ASD Norfolk) Limited offers autism assessment, psychoeducation and post-diagnostic support for children, young people and adults. Please see our Services page for further information.
If you are unsure whether an autism assessment is appropriate, we are happy to discuss this and help you explore next steps.
