How to know if you have Autism: signs, characteristics and how to find support

According to Aspect, Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that typically starts in childhood, but many people may not receive a formal diagnosis until later in life.

If you think you might be Autistic, speaking to your GP or therapist can help you start the assessment process.

Understanding Autism and finding ways to navigate the world can be beneficial, and for some, a diagnosis brings a sense of relief and clarity.

In this guide, we explore common signs of Autism and where to find support.

What is Autism?

The Spectrum explains that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that shapes the way a person interacts with others and responds to their environment. This means that certain environments, such as workplaces or schools can present barriers if there is a lack of understanding or education about Autism.

According to the Autism Association of Western Australia, the word 'spectrum' reflects the wide variety of characteristics, experiences, and support needs among Autistic people.

This diversity highlights that no two Autistic people are the same.

Some people may still identify with Asperger’s syndrome, a term used before 2013.

As Healthline explains, although it is no longer used in clinical diagnoses, many who were previously diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome continue to identify with the term.

The key takeaway is that experiences with Autism vary, and everyone faces unique challenges depending on how society accommodates or understands their needs.

Recognising the characteristics of Autism

Recognising how Autism might affect you is the first step toward understanding yourself better.

While everyone with Autism experiences it differently, The Spectrum explains that there are common characteristics that many share.

It’s important to see a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis, which also helps to rule out other conditions that might explain similar experiences.

Common characteristics of Autism

Autistic people are often misunderstood because society tends to expect everyone to interact in the same way.

Autism affects communication, behaviour, and sensory experiences, often making social expectations difficult to navigate.

Here are some common characteristics, as shared by The Spectrum:

Social interaction

Difficulty understanding what others are thinking or feeling, often because of the unspoken social rules in place.

Challenges recognising facial expressions or body language, which may lead to misunderstandings.

Preference for spending time alone or finding it difficult to form friendships in environments that are not accommodating.

Trouble following social cues, like knowing when to speak or how close to stand, because these norms aren’t always intuitive.

Communication

Finding it easier to communicate in structured environments rather than engaging in back-and-forth conversation.

Difficulty expressing emotions in ways that others might expect.

Taking things literally, which can lead to confusion with sarcasm, metaphors, or idiomatic expressions.

Behavioural patterns

Preferring routines and feeling anxious if they are disrupted, as consistency offers comfort in a world that can feel unpredictable.

Engaging in repetitive behaviours, such as hand-flapping or pacing, which help in managing sensory overload or stress.

Sensory sensitivity

Experiencing heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or textures, or alternatively being under-sensitive, which can make some environments more difficult to cope with.

Co-occurring conditions

In a society that doesn’t always accommodate or understand neurodiverse people, Autism is sometimes misdiagnosed as other conditions such as:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Mood disorders

If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions but feel it doesn’t fully explain your experience, discuss Autism with your healthcare provider.

When to see your doctor

If you think you might be Autistic and are finding it hard to cope, it's important to seek help.

Having the right support in place can help you feel more confident and overcome challenges you might be facing.

You may choose to get an Autism assessment if:

• You experience many of the common signs of Autism
• You were diagnosed with another health condition such as ADHD or OCD, but suspect that you have Autism
• A family member was recently diagnosed with Autism and you experience some of the symptoms yourself
• You experience some of the Autism signs and they are impacting your relationships, home or work life

Should I seek a diagnosis?

Aspect explains that seeking a diagnosis is a personal decision.

For some, understanding autism helps them make sense of their experiences and access the right support.

For others, they may already have developed coping strategies that allow them to manage without a formal diagnosis.

A diagnosis can be particularly helpful if you want to access accommodations at work or in education, where societal barriers often create challenges for neurodiverse individuals.

How is Autism diagnosed?

Autism is diagnosed by a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist. According to Aspect, during the assessment, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life.

They may also ask questions about your childhood and may even speak with your parents or older family members to get a better picture.

To get an Autism assessment, you can:

• Talk to your GP. They may refer you for an assessment
• Talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience diagnosing Autism
• Speak to an Autism association in your area for information about assessments

Do I need a formal diagnosis?

Autism Awareness Australia shares that seeking an Autism diagnosis is a personal choice.

Some people find they already have the support and coping strategies in place without a formal diagnosis.

Others find that a formal diagnosis helps them understand themselves better, and allows them to get the right support.

You might find that a diagnosis helps you use your strengths and develop tools to help you cope with areas that you find challenging.

Getting support for Autism

Whether or not you pursue a formal diagnosis, there are many ways to get support if you’re living with Autism:

• GPs and mental health professionals: They can help guide you through the assessment process and offer support in managing barriers you may encounter.
• Autism associations: Organisations like Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) provide resources, counselling, and community support to help navigate societal challenges.
• Employment support: Disability Employment Services (DES) can help you prepare for, find, and maintain employment by addressing workplace barriers and advocating for accommodations.

Autism and employment

Autistic people face unique challenges in the workplace, often due to environments that are not designed with neurodiverse individuals in mind.

At APM, we deliver Disability Employment Services to thousands of Autistic people every year, helping them to find meaningful work.

We focus on overcoming the societal barriers that can make employment difficult, providing guidance on workplace accommodations, and ensuring that each individual’s strengths are recognised.

Check out our other articles: Fulfilling job ideas for Autistic people, and Step-by-step guide on how to get a job with Autism.

Resources and further reading

• Autism Spectrum Disorder - Health Direct
• Understanding autism - Autism Awareness Australia
• What is autism? - Aspect
• Everything you need to know about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Healthline
• Understanding autism - Reframing Autism
• Signs of autism - Autism Awareness Australia

A note on language and Autism at APM

At APM our language style is the adoption of a person-first approach, which emphasises the individual over their disability. For example, we refer to "people with disability" rather than "disabled people," acknowledging disability is just one aspect of a person's identity.

However, we also recognise language preferences can vary among different communities and individuals. Therefore, we are mindful of using identity-first language when it is preferred, particularly in the case of Autism.

Many people within the Autism community prefer identity-focused language, such as "autistic person," as it reflects their pride and identity within the autistic community.

This is consistent with the Australian Government’s language in the National Autism Strategy. And is supported by leading Autism organisations including: Amaze, Aspect, Autism CRC, and Early Start Australia.

Through our person-first approach and sensitivity to identity-focused language, we strive to foster a culture of acceptance and understanding for all.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au