For many adults, the idea of exploring an autism diagnosis comes after years, sometimes decades , of wondering why certain experiences feel more challenging or different from others’. At the Cognitive & Interpersonal Therapy Centre (CITC), we’ve seen a rise in adults seeking an autism assessment, often following a lifetime of being misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
Whether you’ve long suspected you might be on the spectrum or only recently began considering it, understanding why more adults are pursuing an ASD assessment can help make sense of your own journey.
Why Are So Many Adults Are Being Diagnosed with Autism Later in Life?
For years, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was primarily viewed as a childhood condition, with most diagnostic tools designed around how autism presents in boys. As a result, many adults, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals, grew up without recognition of their differences.
Today, public awareness has evolved, and so has our understanding of autism. Clinicians now recognize that autistic traits may look different across age, gender, and personality. Social masking, emotional exhaustion, and anxiety are common in adults who have spent years “camouflaging” their struggles in order to fit in socially or professionally.
This shift has led to a powerful wave of self-reflection among adults. A diagnosis can bring clarity to long-standing experiences of burnout, relationship difficulties, or sensory sensitivity, experiences that were often mislabeled as anxiety, depression, or even personality disorders.
According to the UK National Autistic Society, many adults seek an assessment after learning more about autism through social media, friends, or their own children’s diagnoses. For many, it’s the first time they see themselves represented.
Common Signs That May Lead Adults to Seek an Autism Assessment
Every individual’s experience is unique, but there are some common patterns that might prompt someone to pursue an ASD evaluation. Adults who are later diagnosed often describe:
- Feeling socially exhausted after interactions or needing significant downtime to recharge.
- Intense focus or passion for specific interests, sometimes described as “hyperfixation.”
- Sensory sensitivities to light, sound, or texture that affect daily comfort.
- A preference for structure, predictability, and clear communication.
- Difficulty understanding or navigating unwritten social rules.
- A history of being described as “too sensitive,” “blunt,” or “introverted.”
While many of these traits can exist in neurotypical people as well, individuals on the spectrum often describe a persistent sense of difference, a feeling that they have been “acting” to meet others’ expectations for much of their lives.
The Emotional Impact of Adult Autism Assessments
Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can be both relieving and complex. On one hand, it offers a new lens of self-understanding, validation that you were not “broken,” just wired differently. Many people describe the process as “finally being seen.”
On the other hand, it can stir grief for missed support, misunderstanding in relationships, or years of masking that led to burnout. This is why CITC’s assessment process always includes a detailed feedback session and personalized recommendations. Understanding your profile is just the beginning; integration, support, and self-compassion are equally important next steps.
Post-diagnosis therapy , such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) adapted for autistic adults, can help navigate these emotions. These approaches can assist in building emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and improving communication skills in a neuroaffirming way.
The Value of a Professional Autism Assessment
Online quizzes or social media content can provide insight, but they are not substitutes for a professional evaluation. A formal assessment helps clarify whether traits are consistent with autism or might overlap with other conditions such as ADHD, social anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
At CITC, adult ASD assessments are completed by our psychological associate, Armita Hosseini, who has over 10 years of clinical and research training in neurodevelopmental conditions. Armita is a member of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR), and her expertise focuses on examining the presentation of autism in adults, as well as other neurodivergent individuals affected by social isolation and other co-morbid mental health issues using a neurodiversity-affirmative framework.
Within the assessment, Armita uses validated tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R), along with a comprehensive clinical interview and collateral information from family or partners (with consent).
This evidence-based process not only identifies the presence of autism traits but also highlights cognitive strengths, communication patterns, and emotional regulation skills. The goal is not simply diagnosis, it’s understanding.
A written report and feedback session provide recommendations that can guide workplace accommodations, therapy goals, and communication strategies. This can be particularly empowering for adults navigating employment, relationships, or identity development.
Autism in Women and Gender-Diverse Adults
One of the biggest reasons for late diagnosis is how autism can present differently across genders. Research from Autism Canada notes that women and gender-diverse adults are often underdiagnosed because their traits don’t always align with the traditional, male-based diagnostic profile.
Women may become skilled at masking, mimicking social behaviour to blend in, while internalizing anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism. Similarly, nonbinary and transgender individuals may experience overlapping challenges related to social belonging and identity.
CITC uses a gender-sensitive, neuroaffirming approach that values each person’s unique experience over outdated diagnostic stereotypes.
How CITC Supports Adults Through and Beyond Assessment
CITC offers comprehensive adult autism assessments, along with individual therapy which can help integrate findings into daily life. We understand that pursuing an assessment can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve faced years of misunderstanding or self-doubt.
At CITC, the process is designed to be collaborative and compassionate. After your evaluation, we can help connect you to tailored supports. Whether that’s ongoing therapy, communication skills training, or strategies for managing burnout and sensory overload.
Our clinicians also provide therapy for co-occurring concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or ADHD, which can frequently overlap with autism.
We offer in-person therapy appointments at our Toronto office and virtual ASD assessments for clients across Ontario. You can learn more about our assessment services here.
Taking the First Step
For many adults, the decision to seek an autism assessment is rooted in self-understanding rather than labels. It’s about recognizing long-standing patterns, reframing past experiences, and finding new strategies to thrive authentically.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be on the spectrum, reaching out for a professional evaluation can be an empowering and clarifying experience. At CITC, we’re here to walk with you through each step, from curiosity, to assessment, to growth and self-acceptance.
