Autism Assessments for the sensitive

Could You Be Autistic? A Guide to Self-Discovery and Next Steps

For many adults, the realization that they might be autistic comes later in life. This journey can be both validating and overwhelming as you begin to make sense of lifelong patterns, challenges, and strengths through a new lens. If you’ve ever felt different from those around you, struggled with social exhaustion, or experienced deep sensory sensitivities, you may be wondering whether an autism assessment could provide clarity and support.

This guide offers reflective questions to help you explore whether an autism consultation or assessment may be beneficial for you. While this is not a diagnostic tool, it can help you recognize patterns in your experiences that may align with autism.

Exploring Your Social and Communication Patterns

• Do you often feel different or out of place in group settings?

• Do you prefer spending time one-on-one or in small, familiar groups rather than large gatherings?

• Is small talk challenging for you, but deep conversations about topics of interest feel natural and engaging?

• Have you ever been told that you dominate conversations or, conversely, that you don’t speak up enough?

• Do you put significant effort into appearing "okay" in social situations but feel drained or exhausted afterward?

• Have you ever struggled to recognize when a conversation is ending or when it’s your turn to speak?

• Does making eye contact feel uncomfortable, forced, or unnatural for you?

• Have others ever misinterpreted your tone, facial expressions, or body language?

Masking and Camouflaging Behaviors

• Do you feel pressure to modify your natural behaviors to fit in?

• Have you found yourself mimicking social habits or expressions to blend in with others?

• Do you rehearse or plan conversations in advance to avoid feeling awkward?

• After social events, do you need extended alone time to recover?

• Have you felt that masking your true self over time has contributed to burnout or exhaustion?

Executive Functioning and Daily Life

• Do you often struggle to start tasks, even when they are important?

• Do you rely on lists, reminders, or routines to stay organized?

• Does shifting from one activity to another feel frustrating or overwhelming?

• Do you lose track of time when engaged in activities you love?

• Does multitasking feel difficult or exhausting, making it easier to focus on one thing at a time?

Sensory Experiences and Regulation

• Are there certain fabrics, foods, or sounds that you find unbearable?

• Do loud, bright, or crowded environments feel overwhelming?

• Do you experience strong preferences for certain sensory experiences, such as weighted blankets, specific textures, or repetitive movements?

• Have you noticed that you stim—engaging in repetitive movements like tapping, fidgeting, picking skin, or playing with jewelry—especially when feeling overwhelmed or focused?

Emotional Processing and Self-Understanding

• Do you feel deeply affected by other people’s emotions, sometimes to the point of overwhelm?

• Have you ever realized you were upset only after noticing physical symptoms like headaches or tension?

• Do you struggle to identify or name your emotions in the moment?

• Have you experienced long-term burnout, making it difficult to function in work, school, or relationships?

Strengths and Self-Discovery

• Do you naturally notice patterns and connections that others might miss?

• Have you excelled in areas of deep interest, immersing yourself in topics with passion and focus?

• Do you express yourself more comfortably through writing, art, or other non-verbal forms of communication?

• Have you always had a strong sense of justice, fairness, or honesty?

• Do you think deeply and approach problems in unique or unconventional ways?

Understanding Co-Occurring Conditions

Many autistic individuals have co-occurring conditions, and distinguishing between them can be complex. Some common overlapping experiences include:

• ADHD: Struggles with focus and organization, but in autism, hyperfocus on specific interests may be more intense.

• Anxiety Disorders: Social anxiety often stems from fear of judgment, while autistic social difficulties may be due to sensory overwhelm or social energy depletion.

• Depression: Autism-related burnout can be mistaken for depression, but many autistic individuals still find joy in their focused interests.

• PTSD or Trauma: While both conditions can lead to hypervigilance, autistic individuals often experience lifelong sensory and social processing differences rather than specific trauma responses.

• OCD: Repetitive behaviors in OCD are often driven by intrusive thoughts and anxiety, whereas autistic routines provide comfort and predictability.

• Chronic Health Conditions: Autistic individuals may experience conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, sleep disorders, migraines, and chronic health issues at higher rates.

What’s Next?

If you resonate with many of these experiences, you may find it valuable to explore an autism assessment. A professional evaluation can provide clarity, validation, and support tailored to your needs. My assessment process takes a strengths-based approach, focusing on your unique experiences rather than outdated deficit-based models.

Booking a consultation with me can help you determine whether an assessment is the right next step for you. I provide compassionate, affirming guidance to help you navigate this journey with self-understanding and confidence.

Schedule a consultation or assessment today to explore your autistic identity in a supportive and validating space.

You are not alone. Understanding your neurodivergence can be a powerful and life-changing experience, opening the door to deeper self-compassion and an authentic way of living.

Receiving a diagnosis is often a source of relief for many, like the feeling of puzzle pieces finally coming together.

Love this message I received:

“Dear Julie, the fearless way you explained your autistic diagnosis sparked me into looking into autism as a missing puzzle piece for myself. Today I am celebrating the first week of my life with an official autism diagnosis. My life is forever changed. The strategies I am learning to support myself are giving me hope for my life again, and in no small way this is all because of you. So I would like to say thank you, a million times thank you.”

Here are some examples expressed by those diagnosed as adults…

• The diagnosis helped me become kinder to myself, providing self-understanding leading to self-compassion

• It proved that my challenges and needs are real.

• Knowing that my brain operates differently from others has transformed my life.

• My diagnosis finally allowed me to stop feeling ashamed of who I am.

• It reduces misunderstandings at home and work.

• It reduces anxiety, helps me grow self-esteem and hope, and enriches my life.

• I am grateful to have finally learned to give myself space when I feel overwhelmed.

• Autistic burnout prompted me to seek a middle-age diagnosis. This diagnosis saved me.

• My autism diagnosis empowered me to live my best life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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