How do I know if I have autism?
If you're questioning whether you might be autistic, you're not alone: it’s estimated that 1 in 70 Australians fall somewhere on the autism spectrum.
With the greater representation of neurodivergence in the media in recent years, and more conversations about it, many young people are discovering that their unique way of experiencing the world might be connected to autism. While this article can’t give you a definitive answer as to whether or not you have autism, it can help you to better understand it and to access a range of helpful resources.
In this article, we'll cover:
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that falls under the broader concept of neurodivergence – the natural variations in how human brains develop and work. Every autistic person experiences the world in their own unique way – from how they think and learn, to how they connect with others and process their surroundings.
You may have noticed that some autistic people refer to themselves as ‘autistic’, while others might say they are a ‘person with autism’. Everyone will have their own way of describing themselves, though many in the autistic community consider autism an integral part of their identity.
Language can be so important in how we perceive things. Autism used to feel like a “bad” word for me. Like it meant there was something wrong with me, because that's how the people in my life talked about it. I've had to do a lot of unlearning around that.
Alya, 25
You can read more about autism in this myth busting guide.
Signs and symptoms of autism
Because autistic people see and interpret the world in unique ways, they might have a range of strengths, differences and challenges with their behaviour.
Signs of autism in teenagers and young adults will look different from those in younger children, when autism is usually diagnosed. Autism also presents differently across genders. You don't need to experience all the signs to be autistic.
Here are some common signs you might be experiencing:
You find social interaction exhausting, like maintaining eye contact or managing busy social situations.
You experience challenges in social communication, like taking things literally or finding it hard to ‘read between the lines’.
You have special interests in specific topics and enjoy learning everything about them.
You experience sensations more intensely, so certain sounds, lights, textures or smells can feel either overwhelming or deeply satisfying.
You prefer consistent routines and find it a challenge to handle unexpected changes.
You understand and express emotions differently from your peers.
You find it challenging to make or maintain friendships, or you prefer online social interactions to in-person ones.
You make repetitive physical movements and sounds (stimming), or you repeat certain words or phrases.
You have a strong sense of justice and feel frustrated by unfairness.
Read more about the signs of autism in teens.
How do gender and culture impact autistic people?
Being autistic can intersect with other identities, like gender, race and sexuality. For example, many autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people learn to mask their traits because of what society expects from them. Different cultures may have different conventions around communication styles, eye contact or other social norms, which also affects how autism is recognised in those cultures.
These and other things, such as anxiety, depression or ADHD, can lead to a delayed autism diagnosis or even to misdiagnosis.
What is ‘masking’ and how does it affect the signs of autism?
‘Masking’ is when someone consciously or subconsciously changes their natural behaviours to appear more ‘typical’ in social situations. While masking can affect anyone who is autistic, it's particularly common among women, and non-binary and gender-diverse people.
When I was in high school I was really bubbly but usually finished the day exhausted. When I left school I became a bit more introverted and a lot less tired. It was only when I got my autism diagnosis in adulthood that I learnt that what I was doing in high school was masking and that it was in moving out of that space that I felt more free to be me.
Jeanti, 27
Masking might involve:
copying others' social behaviours
suppressing natural movements or reactions
forcing yourself to make eye contact even when it feels uncomfortable
hiding your intense interests
pushing yourself to socialise even when you're exhausted.
Masking for me looks like suppressing stimming, acting how I think people want me to act, making sure I'm nodding and making enough eye contact, and basically anything I do to make myself appear more "normal" or "neurotypical". It's exhausting and I really struggle to understand who I really am, because I'm such a different person at home compared to in public.
Alya, 25
While masking might be helpful in some situations, it can also be exhausting, lead to autistic burnout and may impact your mental health in negative ways.
Learn more about masking autism.
How do I find out if I am autistic?
Finding out if you’re autistic usually involves a process of self-discovery and/or formal diagnosis. You’re likely reading this because you’ve seen or experienced something that suggests you could be autistic, which is a great way to begin exploring whether this is true for you.
At age 24, I decided to go on the pathway towards formal diagnosis, which I’m grateful to have had access to. After a lengthy process, I was diagnosed as being autistic. It’s something I’m still processing and reflecting on, but it’s a big relief to have more certainty and understanding about my identity.
Alya, 25
If you feel strongly that you’re autistic, based on what you’ve learnt already, you might be ready to seek professional support and a diagnosis. Your next step could be to make an appointment with your GP to discuss a referral to a paediatrician, psychologist or allied health professional who offers autism assessments.
Keep in mind that even if you don't end up with a formal diagnosis of autism, you'll have more information about what you're experiencing, which can still help you to find support that best meets your needs.
Will an online autism test tell me if I’m autistic?
You might have come across various online autism tests or assessments. While these tools can be helpful for self-reflection, self-identification and understanding your experiences better, they're not a professional diagnosis.
Think of online tests as starting points for your journey of self-discovery, rather than as definitive answers.
How long does it take to get an autism diagnosis?
The time required to receive an autism diagnosis depends on several factors. These include:
how many qualified professionals are available in your area
current waiting lists for assessment services
the complexity of your experiences
whether childhood developmental information is accessible
your current life circumstances or other health conditions.
While you wait for a diagnosis, it can be helpful to connect with other young people who also feel they may be autistic and share your experiences.
How can an autism diagnosis help me?
While pursuing an autism diagnosis is a personal choice, many people find it helpful for several reasons.
Understanding yourself
Knowing that you have autism can help you with self-acceptance and provide more insight into your lived experiences.
I got my autism diagnosis in my 20s. That label was an affirmation that, yes, I was different, but that I was a specific type of different. Looking back at my life, it just made a lot of things make sense.
Jeanti, 27
Finding a supportive community
An autism diagnosis can help you to connect with other autistic people who share similar experiences and who ‘get it’ when it comes to navigating the world with autism.
Getting the right support
A formal diagnosis can help you to access specific types of support, like NDIS funding, educational support, autism-specific mental health support and workplace accommodations.
Accessing legal protection
An autism diagnosis can also mean that your needs at school, uni or work are recognised by the law, so you can advocate for what works best for you.
What if I'm not ready for a formal diagnosis?
Not everyone is ready for or able to access a formal diagnosis. Self-exploration and self-identification are still important steps for many people who relate to the signs of autism, and these are valid in their own right.
If you’re not at the stage of getting a formal diagnosis, you can still access resources that can help you to better understand and support yourself.
It can also be helpful to chat with a trusted friend or family member about your experiences, or see a mental health professional if you’re experiencing any challenges that you'd like support with.
What can I do now?
Read Reframing Autism’s guide to navigating questioning your neurotype.
Learn more about how autism can impact mental health.
Book a free text-based chat session with a peer worker who can help guide you through what you’re experiencing.