What does Autism look like in high-masking women?

Autism can present differently across individuals. Many women and high-masking adults learn to camouflage social differences, closely observe others, or develop coping strategies that make their challenges less visible externally. Internally, this may still involve significant exhaustion, overwhelm, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty managing everyday demands.

What is masking in Autism?

Masking refers to conscious or unconscious strategies used to hide, reduce, or compensate for autistic traits in social environments. This can include rehearsing conversations, copying others socially, suppressing stimming behaviours, forcing eye contact, or closely monitoring behaviour in social situations. While masking may help someone “fit in,” it can also be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

What are common signs of Autism in adult women?

Experiences vary from person to person, however some adults report lifelong feelings of being different, sensory sensitivities, social exhaustion, difficulty maintaining relationships, masking, emotional overwhelm, intense interests, rigid routines, or challenges with change and uncertainty. Autism presents differently across individuals and cannot be identified through online content or checklists alone.

What if I am worried I’m “not autistic enough”?

This is a very common concern among adults seeking assessment, particularly high-masking individuals. The purpose of assessment is not to “prove” anything, but to better understand your experiences, strengths, challenges, and whether Autism may help explain aspects of your presentation.

Can Autism and ADHD occur together?

Yes. Many adults identify with traits associated with both Autism and ADHD. There can be overlap between the two, and some individuals may meet criteria for both conditions.

Are Autism assessments available via Telehealth?

Yes. Autism assessments are available Australia-wide via secure Telehealth, as well as in person at Erina on the Central Coast NSW.

What support is available after diagnosis?

For many adults, receiving a diagnosis is only one part of the process. Ongoing therapy and post-diagnostic support may assist with understanding neurodivergence, reducing self-criticism, navigating burnout, developing self-understanding, improving communication, and identifying supportive strategies in daily life.

What if I do not meet the criteria for Autism?

Assessment is focused on gaining a clearer understanding of your experiences and presentation. Some individuals may meet criteria for Autism, while others may find their experiences are better explained by ADHD, anxiety, trauma, burnout, sensory processing differences, or other factors. The goal is thoughtful, evidence-based understanding rather than fitting a particular label.

Can Autism be missed in childhood?

Yes. Many adults seeking assessment report that their traits were not recognised earlier in life, particularly if they performed well academically, appeared quiet or shy, or developed strong masking and coping strategies. Increased awareness has helped more adults recognise traits that may previously have been misunderstood or overlooked.

Can autism be diagnosed in adulthood?

Yes. Many adults explore assessment later in life after experiencing burnout, ongoing social exhaustion, workplace difficulties, relationship challenges, perimenopause, parenting stress, or after learning more about Autism through a child, partner, or friend receiving a diagnosis.

How do adult Autism assessments work?

Autism assessments involve a comprehensive process that may include clinical interviews, questionnaires, developmental history, exploration of current functioning, behavioural observations, and discussion of lived experiences across different environments. Where appropriate, information from a partner, parent, family member, or other support person may also be included.

Can Autism look like anxiety, trauma, or burnout?

There can be overlap between Autism, anxiety, trauma-related presentations, burnout, and other mental health concerns. A comprehensive assessment considers the broader picture, including developmental history, lifelong patterns, and the context of current difficulties.

What if I don’t have school reports or childhood information?

While childhood information can sometimes assist the assessment process, not everyone has access to school reports or family members who can provide collateral information. Alternative sources of information may be explored where appropriate.

Will I receive a report?

Yes. A comprehensive report is provided following the assessment process and feedback session.

Can you provide workplace or university support letters?

Where clinically appropriate, support letters outlining recommendations for reasonable accommodations in workplace or educational settings may be provided following assessment. Recommendations are individualised and based on assessment findings.

How much does an Autism assessment cost?

You can view current assessment fees and payment options on the Fees page.

Can I use Medicare rebates for an Autism assessment?

Currently, Medicare rebates generally do not apply to comprehensive Autism assessments completed by psychologists.