Have I Got Autism? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
- What does “have I got autism?” mean?
- What are the common signs of autism in adults?
- How does autism present differently in women and men?
- Can you self-diagnose autism?
- When should you see a GP about autism?
- What happens during an autism assessment?
- What are the next steps after noticing autism traits?
- Final thoughts
If you find yourself wondering “have I got autism?”, you’re not alone. Many adults start asking this question after recognising patterns in their social life, sensory experiences, or routines that feel different from others. This article explains common autism signs in adults, how autism symptoms can present differently in men and women, whether you can self-diagnose, when to see a GP, and what to do next.
What does “have I got autism?” mean?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, restricted or repetitive behaviours, and sensory processing. People on the autism spectrum have a wide range of abilities and challenges — no two people are the same. Asking “am I autistic?” is often the first step toward understanding your experiences and finding appropriate supports.
What are the common signs of autism in adults?
Autism signs in adults may be subtle, especially if someone has learned coping strategies over time. Common autism symptoms include:
- Social communication differences: Difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues (tone, eye contact, facial expressions), challenges in back-and-forth conversation, or feeling drained after social interaction.
- Repetitive behaviours and routines: Strong preference for routine, distress with unexpected change, or engaging in repetitive movements or rituals.
- Focused interests: Intense, highly focused interests that may be more detailed or enduring than typical hobbies.
- Sensory differences: Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, tastes, or smells. Everyday environments may feel overwhelming or, conversely, underwhelming.
- Executive functioning challenges: Difficulty planning, organising, switching tasks, or managing time.
- Emotional regulation: Strong emotional reactions, difficulty identifying or describing emotions, or burnout after social or sensory demands.
These signs vary in intensity and combination. Some people experience mild difficulties; others need more consistent support. If several of these apply to you and they interfere with daily life, it could be helpful to explore further.
How does autism present differently in women and men?
Research and clinical experience indicate that autism can look different across genders, and that difference affects diagnosis rates.
- Camouflaging and masking: Women and people assigned female at birth often develop sophisticated coping strategies (masking) to fit social expectations — imitating social behaviours, rehearsing scripts, or suppressing behaviours. This can make autism symptoms less obvious to clinicians.
- Interests and presentation: Interests in women may appear more socially acceptable (e.g., animals, books) but can still be intense. Men are more often diagnosed when interests are more obviously specialised or stereotyped.
- Co-occurring mental health issues: Anxiety, depression and eating disorders may be more common in autistic women and can obscure underlying autism symptoms.
- Social motivations: Many autistic women report a stronger desire for social connection but with higher social anxiety and effort, which differs from some male presentations where social withdrawal may be more evident.
Because of these differences, many women and non-binary people receive later or missed diagnoses. If you identify with these experiences, it’s a valid reason to seek assessment.
Can you self-diagnose autism?
Short answer: you can self-identify autistic traits, but a formal diagnosis requires professional assessment. Many people begin with self-reflection or online autism self-assessment tools to decide whether to seek help.
Pros of self-assessment:
- Helps you understand your experiences and language to describe them.
- Can indicate whether professional assessment might be useful.
Limitations:
- Self-assessments can’t replace a clinical diagnosis; they don’t consider developmental history or differential diagnoses.
- Symptoms overlap with anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and other conditions, so a professional evaluation is needed to clarify the cause.
If you want to try validated screening tools, NeuroDirect — Online autism tests offers free online tests such as the Autism-Spectrum Quotient and RAADS scales. These can be a helpful first step: Online autism tests, including the RAADS-R, Autism Quotient (AQ), RAADS-14, and the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q).
When should you see a GP about autism?
See your GP if:
- You’ve noticed persistent differences in social communication, routines, sensory processing, or restricted interests that cause distress or impact daily life.
- Your self-assessment or the experiences of friends, family, or a partner suggest autistic traits.
- You’re struggling with mental health challenges where autism might be a contributing factor.
Your GP can discuss next steps, provide referrals for an autism assessment, or refer you to appropriate mental health services. In the UK, NHS guidance explains signs to look out for and the referral process: NHS: Autism in adults. Some hospitals and trusts (for example, Plymouth Hospitals — Do you think you might have autism?) also provide guidance on how to start the referral.
What happens during an autism assessment?
An assessment typically includes a detailed developmental history, clinical interviews about current behaviour and experiences, standardised questionnaires, and sometimes observation. Clinicians often gather information from a partner or family member to understand early development and current functioning. After assessment, you’ll receive feedback and a written report outlining whether you meet diagnostic criteria and suggestions for support.
What are the next steps after noticing autism traits?
If you recognise autism symptoms in yourself, consider these steps:
- Try a trusted screening — use validated online tools to see whether your experiences align with common autism traits (see NeuroDirect’s screening tests page).
- Talk to someone — discuss your observations with a close friend, family member or partner who understands you well; they can offer perspective and support.
- Book a GP appointment — bring notes from your screening, examples of behaviours or challenges, and any family history that might be relevant.
- Seek specialist assessment — your GP can refer you to a specialist clinic or a neurodevelopmental service for a full assessment.
- Access support — regardless of diagnosis, you can access strategies, therapy, workplace adjustments, and peer support to help with daily life.
If you’re outside the NHS system or prefer private options, NeuroDirect’s directory can help find specialists and resources. For general information on signs and symptoms, the CDC also provides a helpful overview: CDC — Signs and symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can autism develop in adulthood, or has it always been there?
Autism doesn’t suddenly appear in adulthood; it’s a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. However, many adults only recognise traits later in life, often after their children are assessed or when coping strategies stop working.
How do autism signs differ between men and women?
Women and girls are often underdiagnosed because they may mask autistic traits more effectively. Their challenges can present more subtly, such as social exhaustion, internalised anxiety, or perfectionism.
Is it possible to confuse autism with ADHD or anxiety?
Yes. Autism can overlap with ADHD, anxiety, and other conditions. Shared difficulties with focus, social interactions, and sensory sensitivities sometimes make it hard to distinguish without a professional assessment.
What should I do if I think I might be autistic but can’t get an assessment quickly?
While waiting, you can use reputable self-assessment tools, join autism support communities, and try practical strategies to manage sensory needs and social fatigue. These won’t replace diagnosis but can provide support.
Will getting an autism diagnosis as an adult make a difference?
For many adults, a diagnosis brings clarity, access to workplace adjustments, and validation of lifelong experiences. It can also connect you to services, benefits, and support networks.
Final thoughts
Wondering “have I got autism?” is a valid and important question. Whether you pursue a formal diagnosis or start with self-reflection, learning more about autism signs in adults can help you understand your needs and find practical support. If your traits are causing distress, interfering with work, relationships, or your wellbeing, seeking professional advice is a constructive next step.
Take time, be patient with yourself, and remember that a diagnosis — or the decision not to pursue one — doesn’t change your value. It simply gives you clearer options for support, understanding, and practical adjustments.
