Autism presents in many different ways. Sometimes autism can be hard to identify.

You may:

• communicate and interact with other people in a certain way
• need support interpreting other people’s thoughts and feelings
• find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
• get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
• take longer to process information depending on the context, how it is presented or your anxiety level at the time
• do or think the same things over and over
• prefer routine and predictability in your life

Signs of autism might be noticed when you’re very young. But sometimes they’re not noticed until you’re older.

Information above provided by the HSE:  https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/autism/

Autism is a spectrum. This means it is different for every autistic person.

Some autistic people need little or no support. Others may need help from a parent or support person every day.

Like everyone, autistic people have things they’re good at as well as things they struggle with.

Being autistic does not mean you can never make friends, have relationships or get a job. But you might need extra support with these things.

Being autistic does not have to stop you having a good life.

Autism and Learning

Some autistic people have average or above average intelligence.

Some autistic people have a different learning style or an intellectual disability. Some people may need help with daily life.

Sensory issues

Some people with autism may have sensory issues.

These may include how they experience:

• texture – they may have issues with food, for example, some foods may feel unpleasant in their mouth
• lights – for example, office lights may feel too bright in the workplace
• noises – sounds in school may be overwhelming

Information above provided by the HSE: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/autism/

An adult Autism diagnosis must be made by a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The assessment can vary between professionals, but there are some things that you can expect.

All assessments will include in-depth interviews and information gathering about your life and how you view the world. You will likely meet with the psychologist/psychiatrist (online or in person) for one or more interviews to discuss your experiences. Meetings may involve discussing your life, background, and why you think you might be Autistic. You will discuss information from your past that you believe is relevant and describe how you experience the world.

Information above provided by: https://asiam.ie/advice-guidance/adult-diagnosis