Autism is often diagnosed in childhood, but an increasing number of adults are seeking assessments later in life. If you’re an adult who suspects you might be on the autism spectrum, you’re not alone. Many people go through life without a diagnosis, only to discover later on that their experiences, struggles, and strengths align with autism.
Here are some key reasons why adults seek assessment, and how receiving a diagnosis can bring clarity, support, and new opportunities for personal growth.
1. Understanding Past Struggles
Many adults who suspect they have autism may have experienced difficulties throughout their lives without understanding why. Struggles with social interaction, sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and feeling “different” from others are common in people with undiagnosed autism.
A formal autism assessment can provide answers, helping you understand why you may have faced these challenges. With a diagnosis, it becomes easier to connect the dots between past experiences and the traits associated with autism. This understanding can be empowering, as it validates your experiences and removes the uncertainty you’ve lived with.
2. Improved Mental Health and Well-being
Undiagnosed autism can sometimes contribute to mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or may result in misdiagnosis. Adults who have spent years navigating life without understanding the source of their difficulties may struggle with feeling “misunderstood” or isolated.
Receiving a diagnosis can help to alleviate this by giving you a clearer sense of identity. With a diagnosis, you can access more appropriate mental health support tailored to your unique needs, leading to better emotional well-being.
3. Access to Tailored Support and Resources
One of the biggest reasons adults have an autism assessment is to access targeted support and resources. A diagnosis can unlock a range of services that may have been previously unavailable or difficult to access. This could include therapy, social skills training, work skills coaching (such as organisation and time management), or workplace adjustments.
Understanding that autism is a lifelong condition means that the need for support doesn’t end in childhood. Adults with autism can benefit from personalised interventions and strategies that help them navigate the workplace, social settings, and day-to-day life more effectively.
4. Workplace Accommodations and Career Development
Adults with autism often face specific challenges in the workplace, such as difficulty with social interactions, managing sensory overload, or handling unstructured tasks. These challenges can sometimes impact career advancement or job satisfaction. You may also find that your employer does not understand your challenges or is not tapping into your full potential without understanding that this relates to autism. With small reasonable adjustments, progress can be tapped into.
Receiving an autism diagnosis allows individuals to request reasonable workplace adjustments. This might include adaptations to the work environment, like reduced sensory stimuli or flexible work hours, or specific support in handling social interactions, such as clear instructions or regular feedback. Knowing that autism is the underlying cause of difficulties can empower adults to advocate for themselves in the workplace and explore career paths that align with their strengths.
5. Better Relationships and Social Understanding
For many adults, social interaction can feel confusing or overwhelming. Autistic traits such as difficulty understanding social cues, interpreting body language, or managing small talk can make forming relationships more challenging. Some adults might struggle to connect with others, leading to feelings of loneliness or frustration.
An autism diagnosis can help adults understand their social interaction better. With this newfound self-awareness, they can learn new strategies for building relationships and improving communication. Therapy or support groups for adults with autism can also provide a sense of community and shared understanding, which can be invaluable in improving social connections.
One benefit which may come from your assessment is connecting with other autistic people and this can be a huge relief to know you are not alone in your difficulties. Double empathy (Milton, 2012) is a research model that suggests rather than the fault of autistic people’s poor communication skills in relationships, it is more so that there is a mutual misunderstanding between autistic and non-autistic people. When you connect with the autistic community you may find connection grows more easily and you feel more comfortable.
6. Celebrating Strengths and Embracing Neurodiversity
While many adults seek autism assessments because of the challenges they face, it’s important to remember that autism comes with many unique strengths. People on the spectrum often have exceptional attention to detail, a deep focus on their interests, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Understanding these strengths and how they can be leveraged in daily life and work is an important aspect of receiving an autism diagnosis. Embracing neurodiversity and learning how to celebrate their unique way of thinking and experiencing the world can be liberating. For many adults, an autism diagnosis provides the opportunity to embrace their differences and thrive.
7. Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth
Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be a profound and transformative experience. For some, it marks the beginning of a journey towards greater self-acceptance. The diagnosis can be a turning point where adults learn to appreciate their individual qualities, embrace who they are, and stop trying to fit into a “neurotypical” mold that never felt right.
With professional guidance, adults with autism can begin to develop self-compassion, better manage challenges, and learn new strategies for navigating life’s complexities. Personal growth often flourishes when individuals have a deeper understanding of themselves and their needs.
If you have struggled with masking (where you hide your autistic traits to fit in with society) a diagnosis may give you the strength to ‘unmask’ and be your true self and live a more authentic life.
8. The Power of Understanding
An autism assessment as an adult is an opportunity to gain clarity and take control of your life. Whether you’re seeking an explanation for lifelong struggles, accessing the support you need, or embracing your strengths, receiving a formal diagnosis can offer immense benefits.
If you’re an adult considering an autism assessment, you’re taking a positive step toward self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth.
At Portland Assessments, we provide clear, compassionate, and comprehensive assessments that help you understand your unique strengths and challenges, ensuring you have the right support moving forward.