Autism in adults: signs and getting assessed
Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, interacts and experiences the world. Many adults, especially women, are diagnosed late. Signs include difficulty with social communication, a strong need for routine and sensitivity to sounds, lights or touch. A specialist can assess you.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Signs in social communication
- finding it hard to understand what others think or feel
- finding social situations tiring or confusing
- taking things very literally
- preferring to be alone, or finding it hard to make friends
Signs in routines and interests
- needing set routines and finding change hard
- repeating movements or phrases
- very focused interests
- sensitivity to noise, light, textures or smells
Why it is missed in adults
Some people learn to hide or mask their differences, and signs can be put down to anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression are also common alongside autism.
Getting assessed
A clinician with experience in autism takes a history of your life, including childhood, and looks at how you communicate and cope. A diagnosis can help you understand yourself and get the right support. You do not need to have a diagnosis to ask for help with anxiety, low mood or stress.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can you be diagnosed with autism as an adult?
Yes. Many people are recognised only in adulthood, often after years of being told it was anxiety or something else.
Is autism a mental illness?
No. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, a lifelong difference in how the brain works. Mental health conditions such as anxiety can occur alongside it.
Who assesses autism?
A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Related
- Autism
- ADHD
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Social anxiety: signs and how it differs from shyness
- How to support someone with depression
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.