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Adult Autism

Find clubs, groups and support services for adults with autism on our website.

What is Autism

Sourced from the National Autistic Society.





How common is autism?


How do autistic people see the world?






The benefits of a diagnosis


  • it allows people to access services and support.

How autism is diagnosed


Read more about diagnostic criteria and the triad of impairments theory.

Persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction

Social communication


  • facial expressions
  • tone of voice
  • jokes and sarcasm.




Social interaction


  • appear to be insensitive
  • seek out time alone when overloaded by other people
  • not seek comfort from other people



Restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests

Repetitive behaviour and routines



Highly-focused interests



Sensory sensitivity


Read more about repetitive behaviour and routines and sensory processing.

Different names for autism


Causes and cures

What causes autism?


Is there a cure?


View a video based on a cartoon by Rebecca Burgess: Understanding the spectrum

Or see the comic strip


Getting an autism diagnosis

Sourced from the National Autistic Society

Here you can find information about diagnosis for adults who are autistic, or think they may be autistic. There are many online 'autism tests' available, but none of these can guarantee accuracy. Find out about the benefits of diagnosis, how to get diagnosed and the services and support you may be able to access after you have been diagnosed.

Am I autistic?

You may be wondering if you are autistic. Perhaps you have read something about the condition, or seen a programme on TV, and think that it describes some of your own experiences.

It's quite common for people to have gone through life without a diagnosis of autism, feeling that somehow they don't quite fit in. Many people learn to cope with life in their own ways, although this can be hard work. They might be married or living with a partner, have families or successful careers. Others may be more isolated and find things much more of a struggle.


Read about some experiences of diagnosis.

Benefits of a diagnosis


  • it may correct a previous misdiagnosis (such as schizophrenia), and mean that any mental health problems can be better addressed (however, it can be difficult to make a diagnosis of autism where there are severe mental health issues, or where someone is receiving treatment)
  • your employer will be required to make any necessary reasonable adjustments
  • you can join the autism community – you don't need to be diagnosed to join our online community or subscribe to our Asperger United magazine, but you might need a diagnosis to join some social groups.

Getting a diagnosis – the process

Autism (including Asperger syndrome) varies widely from person to person, so making a diagnosis can be difficult. A diagnosis – the formal identification of autism – is therefore best made by a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team.

Some diagnostic teams accept self-referrals, but in most areas, you will need a referral from your GP. If you are seeing a different health professional for other reasons (for example, a psychologist if you have depression), you could ask them for a referral instead.

Step 1: speak to your GP


Step 2: present your case


Explaining your situation

You could say that you've been reading about autism, or that you've been in touch with The National Autistic Society. You could say that you think you experience some of the difficulties people on the autism spectrum can face, and you would like to seek a formal diagnosis to be sure. Try to give your GP some examples of difficulties you've had in adulthood and childhood with communication, social interaction, sensory difficulties, friendships or employment, and the need for routine, and how much you think these affect the different areas of your life.

Your GP’s responsibilities

Not all GPs will have an in-depth knowledge of autism, so it's important to explain things as clearly as you can. You could take along a copy of our guidance for GPs, and tell your GP about the relevant guidelines on autism recognition and referral that should guide their decision to make a referral.

In England, your GP should be following NICE guideline 142 and be aware of the statutory guidance requiring a clear diagnosis pathway for adults.

Step 3: getting a referral

If your GP agrees to refer you, we recommend that you tell them about local services which have experience of multidisciplinary diagnosis of autism in adults. Print out the details of diagnostic services in your area and take them with you.

If it isn't possible to refer you to a multidisciplinary team, you could be referred to an individual professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. This professional should be experienced in diagnosing autism, as this will mean you are more likely to be accurately assessed, and will avoid having to go back to your GP to ask for a second referral.


Where will I be referred to?

You are most likely to be referred to a diagnostic service (such as a clinic or assessment centre) in your local Clinical Commissioning Group area.

Private diagnosis is always an option, if you can pay for one, but you may occasionally find that local service providers (for example, social services) will not accept private diagnoses and will insist upon you having an NHS diagnosis, too.

What if my GP does not refer me?


If you want to complain about the referral or the diagnostic service you received, you can make a complaint.

Step 4: the diagnostic assessment




How will they determine that I am autistic?



When will they tell me the result?



Find out more about autism profiles, and diagnostic criteria, tools, and manuals.

Step 5: coming to terms with the results

If you are told you are not autistic

Sometimes people are told they aren't autistic, and sometimes they may be given a diagnosis they don't agree with.

You can seek a second opinion, which either means going back to your GP to explain that you aren't happy with your diagnosis and ask them to refer you elsewhere, or paying for a private assessment.


If you get an autism diagnosis


Post-diagnostic support is important. Some diagnostic teams and professionals offer follow-up services after diagnosis and might be able to answer your questions and point you towards support services. However, not all do this.


What next?


If you are a parent/carer or an adult who is on the autism spectrum you can visit the Sheffield Autistic Society website, or you can phone them on 07914 410761 or on 01246 238768  or email Graham Nield:

Support from the National Autistic Society:

Living with autism as an adult

Sourced from the National Autistic Society

Whether you're old or young, life as an autistic young person or adult can bring particular challenges. Although it may feel like you're alone, help is available.

In this section you'll find help with work, ageing, encounters with the law and managing money. You can also read real-life stories from others on the spectrum.

Everything you need to know


Guidance for autistic adults about the world of work, careers services and bullying in the workplace

Getting older

Real life stories, advice, and resources on benefits, health and socialising for middle aged autistic people

Encounters with the law

Information for autistic people and their parents and carers about dealing with the criminal justice system

Managing money

Get a basic overview of how to manage your money


Find out about how you can be supported and enabled, or support and enable yourself

Real stories

Read real stories about various aspects of life by autistic adults who want to help others by sharing their experiences

Useful resources

A list of useful resources for adults on the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger syndrome


Women and autism



There are free online training courses to help you learn more about autism. You can get a certificate for completing some of the courses.

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