Adult Autism
Many Adults Don’t Realize They’re Autistic
Feeling out of sync with the world and struggling with social cues, sensory overload, or daily routines is more common than you think. Understanding autism can bring clarity, reduce self-blame, and help you build strategies that fit your brain.
Autism Traits You Might Relate To
You may notice patterns in your daily life that feel confusing or exhausting:
- Social interactions feel awkward, exhausting, scripted, or confusing.
- You’ve learned to “mask” the parts of yourself that feel different so you can “fit in.”
- You thrive on structure and routine but struggle when things change.
- You’re easily overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or textures.
- You’ve been called “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “too quiet.”
- You feel frustrated, exhausted, or burned out from adapting to expectations that don’t align with how your brain works.
High-achieving adults, or those who mask so effectively that others think they “look fine,” often relate deeply to these experiences, even while feeling unheard, exhausted, and like they’re always playing catch-up.
What Adult Autism Can Look Like
Autism is a lifelong neurotype that shapes how you experience the world socially, emotionally, and sensorially. Many autistic adults, especially women or high-masking individuals, go undiagnosed for years. Recognizing these traits can provide clarity, relief, and self-compassion.
Click on each to see a real-life example of how it might show up:
You might struggle to know when someone is joking or when it’s your turn in a conversation, which can feel exhausting in group settings.
You may spend hours researching a topic you love, sometimes losing track of time or forgetting other tasks.
Sudden changes to your schedule or environment can feel overwhelming and make it hard to adjust quickly.
Everyday environments, like busy stores or offices, might feel overwhelming due to bright lights, background noise, or strong smells.
You may rehearse social scripts or hide certain behaviors to fit in, leaving you drained even after “successful” interactions.
Challenges with focus, restlessness, or emotional regulation may feel like separate issues, but they often intersect with autism traits.
Adult Autism and ADHD (AuDHD)
ADHD and Autism often co-occur (sometimes called AuDHD). Both are forms of neurodivergence, but they can look very different. When both are present, it can feel like your brain is being pulled in two directions, craving stimulation and structure at the same time. Recognizing this combination helps you find strategies that truly fit your brain.
ADHD
- Impulsive, unplanned decisions and actions
- Easily bored with routine
- Craves novelty
- Hyperactive or inattentive
- Jumps from one interest to the next
- Communication problems with turn-taking and inattention
AuDHD
- Internal struggle between preference for routines and boredom with sameness
- Craves social stimulation but finds it hard to navigate social situations
- Hyper-organized to compensate for forgetfulness and disorganization
- Easily overwhelmed but feels unable to slow down and recharge
Autism
- Prefers strict routines and familiarity
- Gets anxious around change
- High focused and specific interests
- Sensory sensitivities that can cause overwhelm
- Problems understanding social language and nonspoken cues
Why Diagnosis (or Self-Understanding) Matters
Understanding your neurodivergence can clarify why certain situations, relationships, or challenges have felt consistently difficult.
Recognizing that these struggles are tied to how your brain works, not personal failure, can ease guilt and exhaustion.
A diagnosis or clear self-understanding can provide access to workplace adjustments, educational support, or therapy strategies tailored to your needs.
Awareness allows you to create routines, environments, and coping strategies that align with your strengths and reduce stress.
How The Traveling Psychologist Can Help
I provide adult Autism and ADHD testing and therapy that’s neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed.
My goal is to help you understand your traits and needs, unmask safely and authentically, and develop tools for daily life that fit your brain.
If you suspect you might be autistic or have been diagnosed and want support unmasking and rebuilding your life around your needs, let’s talk.