Autism is a neurotype with presentations as varied and unique as the people who possess it. While no two autistic brain's are the same, all autistic people share some, or all, of the following core features, which unite them as members of the autistic community:
Treat Yourself Well is a neurodiversity-affirming practice and language is pivotal to understanding a person's experience. We aim to use respectful, strengths-informed, and person-centred language wherever possible while maintaining clinical accuracy and meeting professional requirements.
Where appropriate, we utilise identity-affirming language such as Autistic, Autistic person, Autistic traits, and ADHD in recognition that many neurodivergent individuals and communities prefer identity-affirming language. We seek to describe differences and support needs in a respectful manner and avoid unnecessarily pathologising language where possible.
There may be sections where terminology from the DSM-5-TR, standardised assessment measures, educational systems, healthcare services, funding bodies, or workplace frameworks is required. In these instances, the language used reflects the requirements of those systems and measures.
bottom-up, detail-oriented processing style
need for structure and routine
strong, focused interests
social and communication differences
emotional expression and regulation differences
sensory processing differences
At Treat Yourself Well, we understand that wellbeing is shaped by the interaction between individuals, relationships, environments, systems, and lived experiences. For many autistic people, distress can arise from navigating a world that often prioritises neurotypical norms. We support clients to develop a compassionate understanding of themselves, move beyond internalised messages that may no longer serve them, identify and communicate their needs, build supportive connections, and work through mental health challenges in ways that celebrate neurodiversity and honour their unique strengths, identities, and experiences.
Repetitive Behaviors
Requiring a stable routine (outbursts if it is changed)
Disliking change
Self stimulatory behaviour (such as foot tapping)
Executive Function
Difficulty setting long term goals
Frequently late to or forgetful about appointments
Hyperfocused on the intricate, while missing the bigger picture
Social Symptoms
Trouble articulating personal thoughts
Difficulty in reading people's body language
Avoiding eye contact when in a conversation
Under the medical and diagnostic models, Autism is diagnosed based on two core clusters of traits, as outlined in the DSM-5 TR. In the tabs below, we list the criteria alongside examples of how they might present in autistic adults, particularly those who mask.
Difficulty naturally starting or sustaining back-and-forth conversation; mentally rehearsing or scripting conversations in advance; feeling completely drained after socialising, even when it went well
Consciously practising eye contact or facial expressions; missing or misreading tone, sarcasm, or body language; feeling like you're "performing" an expression rather than it coming naturally
Difficulty picking up on unspoken social "rules"; preferring one or two deep friendships over large groups; significantly adjusting your personality depending on who you're with
Many autistic adults experience the world through a different sensory lens to their neurotypical peers. This can mean being hyper-sensitive (more reactive than most people) or hypo-sensitive (less reactive, or actively seeking out more input) across any of the senses, and it's common to be hyper-sensitive in one area while hypo-sensitive in another. For example, someone might find fluorescent lighting or certain
fabrics almost unbearable, while simultaneously craving deep pressure, strong flavours, or repetitive movement to feel regulated. These aren't inconsistencies, they're simply how that person's nervous system processes the world, and understanding your own sensory profile can be an incredibly useful tool for managing daily life, work environments, and social settings.
Overwhelmed by bright or fluorescent lighting
Distracted by visual clutter or movement in peripheral vision
Sensitive to screen brightness or flickering lights
Drawn to bright lights, spinning objects, or visual patterns
May not notice visual clutter or mess in a space
Enjoys watching repetitive visual movement (fans, water, patterns)
Overwhelmed by background noise in cafes or open offices
Strong reactions to sudden or loud sounds
Needing noise-cancelling headphones to concentrate or feel calm
Seeking out loud music or noisy environments
Not noticing when spoken to, or needing sound repeated
Enjoying humming, tapping, or making repetitive noises
Discomfort with certain fabrics, tags, or seams in clothing
Strong aversion to unexpected or light touch
Finding hugs or handshakes overwhelming
Seeking deep pressure (weighted blankets, tight clothing)
High pain tolerance, may not notice minor injuries
Enjoying textured objects, fidgeting, or self-stimulatory touch
Strong reactions to food textures or flavours
Overwhelmed by strong perfumes or cleaning products
Very limited "safe foods" list
Seeking out strong, intense flavours (spicy, sour, very sweet)
Not noticing strong smells others react to
Enjoying smelling objects as a form of exploration or regulation
Feeling motion sick easily (cars, lifts, escalators)
Discomfort with heights or unstable surfaces
Avoiding activities involving spinning or sudden movement
Seeking out spinning, rocking, or swinging
Constantly moving, fidgeting, or needing to pace
Enjoying fast or intense movement (rollercoasters, sports)
Feeling clumsy or overly aware of body position
Discomfort in tight or crowded spaces
Difficulty judging personal space around others
Bumping into things or misjudging distances often
Seeking heavy work activities (pushing, carrying, squeezing)
Standing too close to others without realising
Executive function refers to the mental skills involved in planning, organising, starting tasks, managing time, and shifting between activities. Many autistic adults experience executive function differences that can significantly affect daily life, even when their intelligence and capability are in no doubt. This might look like knowing exactly what needs to be done, but struggling to actually begin, losing track of time
during a focused interest, or feeling mentally exhausted after a day that, on paper, wasn't especially demanding. These aren't failures of willpower or organisation, they reflect genuine differences in how the autistic brain manages attention and transitions. Recognising this can be an important step toward building supports and routines that actually work with your brain, rather than against it.
Autism rarely exists in isolation. Many autistic adults also navigate ADHD (sometimes referred to as AuDHD when both are present), anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, and these experiences often interact with and compound one another. Camouflaging or masking autistic traits over long periods is strongly linked to increased anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Autistic adults are also significantly more likely to experience eating disorders, alexithymia (difficulty identifying and describing one's own emotions), and chronic stress related to navigating a world not built with their needs in mind. Understanding these overlaps is central to how we approach assessment and therapy, we look at the whole person, not just a single diagnosis in isolation.
If you're autistic, think you might be autistic, or are simply exploring your neurotype, we encourage you to reach out. We're here to listen, learn, and support you.
To learn more or to enquire about our Autism assessments, contact us at: info@treatyourselfwell.com.au, or give us a call on (02) 9555 4810.
Autism is a neurotype with presentations as varied and unique as the people who possess it. While no two autistic brain's are the same, all autistic people share some, or all, of the following core features, which unite them as members of the autistic community:
bottom-up, detail-oriented processing style
need for structure and routine
strong, focused interests
social and communication differences
emotional expression and regulation differences
sensory processing differences
Trying to cure autism would be like trying to cure brown hair. It can’t be done, and it shouldn’t be done. What we aim to do instead, is address the disability experienced by autistic people within the neurotypical-favouring world. We do this by helping them to re-frame negative self-narratives they may have picked up along the way, supporting them in defining and fulfilling their support needs, advocating for them, and working through any mental health concerns they may be facing.
Signs of Autism In Adults
The majority of autism cases are diagnosed from the ages of 4-5, however people with less severe symptoms may not receieve a diagnosis. This means they grow up adapting to their symptoms, this is known as 'masking' and can lead to a variety of mental and physical health issues.
Repetitive Behaviors
Requiring a stable routine (outbursts if it is changed)
Disliking change
Self stimulatory behaviour (such as foot tapping)
Executive Function
Difficulty setting long term goals
Frequently late to or forgetful about appointments
Hyperfocused on the intricate, while missing the bigger picture
Social Symptoms
Trouble articulating personal thoughts
Difficulty in reading people's body language
Avoiding eye contact when in a conversation
Having an assessment for autism is a personal decision. It’s important to know that one of the highest benefits that could ever come from autism identification, is accessing community, and the autistic community whole-heartedly accepts and supports self-diagnosis. So, if you are someone who has done a lot of research and introspection and you are already pretty sure about your neurotype, then you may not need a formal assessment and diagnosis. However, we highly recommend getting in touch with the autistic community, starting the healing and re-framing process with your therapist, and exploring your autistic support needs.
For anyone who wants a more thorough understanding of themselves and their cognitive and educational profile, as well as evidence-based support around tailored accommodations and support access options, a formal assessment is recommended.
To learn more or to enquire about our Autism assessments, contact us at: info@treatyourselfwell.com.au, or give us a call on (02) 9555 4810.
