What Is Adult Autism?
Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns. Here's something important to understand: autism isn't something you develop in adulthood – it's been part of who you are since early development. But many adults are only recognised later in life, particularly those who've learned to mask autistic traits as a coping strategy in social contexts.
The following aspects are typically affected by autism:
Social Communication: You might find that understanding unspoken social rules doesn't come naturally. Interpreting facial expressions, reading body language, engaging in back-and-forth conversation, or understanding what others really mean can feel like trying to follow a conversation in a language you only half-speak.
Sensory Processing: Many autistic individuals experience the world more intensely – or sometimes less intensely – than others. Lights might feel too bright, sounds too loud, textures unbearable, or smells overwhelming. This reflects differences in sensory processing. It's how your brain genuinely processes sensory input, and it can significantly impact your comfort in various environments.
Routines and Predictability: If unexpected changes leave you feeling genuinely unsettled rather than just mildly inconvenienced, this is commonly reported by autistic adults. Many autistic adults find comfort in consistent routines and experience real distress when those routines are disrupted. This isn't inflexibility – it's how your brain processes predictability and manages overwhelm.
Special Interests: Having deep, intense interests in specific topics or activities is common in autism. These interests can be a source of genuine joy, expertise, and sometimes professional success, even if others have told you you're "too obsessed" or need to "broaden your horizons."
It is important to understand that adult autism is widely understood as a neurodevelopmental difference rather than a condition requiring cure. Your brain processes information differently, and appropriate support helps you navigate a world that wasn't designed for neurodivergent individuals – whilst honouring your authentic way of being.
Many autistic adults also experience co-occurring conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and sleep disorders.
Are You Struggling As An Undiagnosed Autistic Adult?
Autism in adults, particularly in women, often presents quite differently from the stereotypical understanding most people have. This means significant challenges can go unrecognised, dismissed, or misattributed to other conditions for years – sometimes decades.
Perhaps your doctor hasn't connected the dots. They might not recognise that chronic social exhaustion, sensory overwhelm, or difficulty navigating workplace dynamics could be related to undiagnosed autism.
They may have prescribed medication for anxiety or depression, recommended social skills training, or suggested you're simply introverted – none of which actually addresses the underlying neurodevelopmental difference.
You might have even been told "you can't be autistic because you make eye contact" or "everyone feels socially awkward sometimes." These experiences are commonly reported in adults later diagnosed with autism.
Here's the truth: many autistic adults have learned to mask their autistic traits through years of conscious, exhausting effort. Some individuals develop strategies for appearing neurotypical – and it's probably taking a toll you can barely articulate.
Assessment and appropriate support may be helpful for some individuals. Understanding your neurodivergence can be profoundly validating and open doors to appropriate accommodations and support that actually work for how your brain functions.
At our practice, we provide have partnered with professionals to provide comprehensive autism assessments for adults and genuinely understand the unique presentation of autism in individuals who've developed sophisticated masking strategies throughout their lives.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Care vs Traditional Autism Support
Comprehensive care for autistic adults recognises autism as a neurological difference whilst also addressing co-occurring mental health conditions that impact your wellbeing. Some autism services focus primarily on childhood presentations or assume all autistic adults need intensive behavioural interventions designed to make them appear "less autistic."
A comprehensive psychiatric model takes a broader clinical approach.
A comprehensive approach recognises your uniqueness as an individual. Rather than using a deficit-based model focused on changing who you are, care is tailored to individual neurodevelopmental profiles whilst providing support for genuine challenges like anxiety, depression, or sleep difficulties that significantly impact your quality of life.
In traditional settings, autistic adults are often told their difficulties are simply "part of autism" without receiving treatment for treatable co-occurring conditions. We recognise that whilst autism itself isn't something to treat, the anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that commonly co-occur absolutely warrant appropriate psychiatric care.
Traditional services may also overlook how physical health factors – sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances – disproportionately affect autistic individuals and worsen mental health. A comprehensive approach addresses these contributing factors as part of your overall care.
How Does Comprehensive Psychiatric Care Support Autistic Adults?
Comprehensive Assessment
Adult autism assessment involves thorough evaluation of your developmental history, current functioning, and how autism presents in your specific situation. This includes understanding your sensory profile, social communication patterns, executive function challenges, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
There are several advantages to comprehensive assessment. We can identify which difficulties are directly autism-related versus which are co-occurring treatable conditions. We ensure you receive accurate diagnostic formulation of conditions that might appear similar on the surface.
Different autistic adults need different types of support. Someone struggling primarily with anxiety might benefit from medication and therapy, whilst someone dealing with executive function challenges might need different interventions entirely.
An individualised approach is essential. It's important to work with a team who genuinely understands autism in adults and recognises the difference between neurodivergent traits and mental health conditions requiring treatment.
Once we complete proper assessment, we develop a support plan that honours your neurodivergence whilst addressing genuine mental health challenges – especially if you've felt misunderstood by mental health providers and haven't known where to turn.
Treating Co-occurring Conditions
Many autistic adults experience anxiety disorders, depression, or ADHD alongside autism. These conditions are separate from autism itself and may respond to appropriate psychiatric treatment.
Anxiety in autistic adults often relates to sensory overwhelm, social demands, or the sheer effort of navigating unpredictability. We help identify your triggers and develop strategies that actually work – whilst considering whether medication might be helpful.
Depression is more common in autistic adults than the general population, often connected to years of masking, feeling different, or struggling without appropriate support. Treatment addresses depression whilst recognising how autism impacts your experience of it.
ADHD commonly co-occurs with autism. Understanding how both conditions affect you helps develop appropriate treatment strategies that account for this combination.
Medication Management
When co-occurring mental health conditions warrant medication, we provide careful prescribing that accounts for how autistic individuals may respond differently to medications. Some autistic adults are more sensitive to medication effects and side effects, requiring lower doses or different medication choices.
We monitor carefully for effectiveness and side effects, adjusting treatment as needed. The goal is treating genuine mental health conditions whilst respecting your neurodivergent way of processing the world.
Sensory and Environmental Considerations
Understanding your sensory profile helps identify environmental modifications that reduce overwhelm. We discuss practical strategies for managing sensory sensitivities in daily life and work environments.
This might include workplace accommodations, strategies for managing social demands without completely depleting your energy, and developing sustainable routines that honour your need for predictability.
Once we understand your unique presentation, we develop strategies that work with your autistic neurology rather than against it – especially if you're exhausted from masking and need support that truly understands autism.
Ongoing Support
Autism support isn't a one-time intervention. Regular psychiatric care helps manage co-occurring conditions, adjust treatment as circumstances change, and provide ongoing support as you navigate life as an autistic adult.
The advantage of working with a psychiatrist who understands autism is having someone who recognises which difficulties are neurological differences to accommodate versus mental health conditions to treat.
Having consistent psychiatric support that truly understands autism may support long-term wellbeing and functioning and quality of life.
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Locations
To better serve our patients and provide accessible, comprehensive care, Dr. Aly consults from Hirondelle Private Hospital and Brisbane Waters Private Hospital. These facilities are staffed with experienced professionals and equipped with the resources needed to deliver the highest standard of mental health services.
Chatswood
CENTRAL COAST
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