If you’ve ever searched “Am I autistic?”, you’re not alone. Many adults begin exploring the possibility of autism later in life, often after years of feeling different, misunderstood, or exhausted by masking. It can be overwhelming to sift through, and it’s challenging to determine what information is accurate and reliable. As a psychologist specializing in adult autism evaluations, I aim to create this blog post as a starting point for individuals exploring neurodivergence and considering whether an assessment is a suitable next step.

Why Autism Often Goes Undiagnosed Until Adulthood

Autism can manifest in very different ways across individuals. People who are social, verbal, sensitive, or intelligent may not “fit” outdated stereotypes of autism. Many adults, especially women, nonbinary people, and those with co-occurring ADHD or anxiety, were missed as children.

Many late-diagnosed autistic people have been labeled:

  • Gifted
  • Intense
  • Shy
  • Awkward
  • Anxious
  • Overthinking
  • Perfectionist
  • Too sensitive

Only later do they realize that these were signs of being autistic all along.

Social and Communication Style

Common Signs of Autism in Adults

Here are some of the most frequently reported traits of late-identified autistic individuals:

  • Difficulty with unspoken social rules
  • Sensory overwhelm (sound, light, textures)
  • Intense, all-consuming interests or deep dives
  • Emotional regulation difficulties or shutdowns
  • A strong need for routine, predictability, or control
  • High empathy or emotional sensitivity
  • A lifelong sense of being “different” or out of sync
  • History of masking or people-pleasing to survive socially
  • You deeply relate to content created by neurodivergent people

If you resonate with this list, it’s worth exploring further.

Do I Need an Autism Evaluation?

You may benefit from a professional autism assessment if:

  • You experience social burnout or sensory overwhelm
  • You’ve been misdiagnosed or misunderstood in therapy
  • You want validation or language to advocate for your needs
  • You’re curious about accommodations at work or school

Could I Be Autistic A Neurodiversity-Affirming Self-Reflection Guide for Adults

What Happens During an Autism Evaluation?

As a small psychology practice, we approach adult autism evaluations in a neurodiversity-affirming and collaborative manner. The process includes:

  • A detailed clinical interview and developmental history
  • Self-report measures that look at autistic traits
  • PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) screening
  • Optional inclusion of ADHD or cognitive screening
  • An emphasis on understanding your lived experience, not just checking diagnostic boxes

We see clients in both traditional office settings and through telehealth, depending on their proximity to the office and their preference.

The goal of an evaluation is to gain a clearer understanding of yourself with greater compassion.

Download: Free Self-Reflection Guide

Still undecided? Here is a free guide to help you reflect on your experiences in a low-pressure, affirming way. Get your free copy of “Could I Be Autistic? A Neurodiversity-Affirming Self-Reflection Guide” here.

Related Resources

Are you Ready to Move Forward?

Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or just starting to explore, your curiosity is valid, and you deserve support that meets your needs. We offer autism evaluations for adults, teens, and children, grounded in professionalism, warmth, and respect for neurodivergent experiences.

Contact us today to learn more about the evaluation process or to schedule an appointment.

Need Professional Support?

Dr. Jessica Myszak, Dr. Jaime Long, and Dr. Aimee Rovane have significant experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. They offer both in-person and telehealth assessments for children, teens, and adults looking for answers. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, they can work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming! Dr. Long is also now available to see clients in New York and California. If you are interested in learning more about potentially working with them, you can visit their website here to initiate the process.