Autism is lifelong and there are many autistic adults within Northern Ireland, however, prevalence figures for adults are often outdated and inaccurate. Many autistic people have only received a later diagnosis of autism, as knowledge of autism has increased.

Many autistic adults report seeking assistance after recognising the struggles they endured across their life as being caused by their unsupported neurodivergence, often after supporting a loved one through the process of an assessment and realising they are just like them in lots of ways. 

There are also those who self-identify or recognise that they have autistic traits but who have not progressed a formal assessment or diagnosis. Barriers continue to exist such as issues with being referred for an adult diagnostic assessment, and long waiting times (in some geographical locations this exceeds five years).

Common signs of autism in adults include:

• finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling
• getting very anxious about social situations
• finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own
• seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
• finding it hard to say how you feel
• taking things very literally – for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like "break a leg"
• having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes

Increasingly, there are many adults who seek a formal autism assessment to give them answers, further information, and access to support. Often, the first step of this process is to visit your GP and request a referral for adult autism assessment through your Health and Social Care Trust. There are also private assessment and diagnosis options available. 

If you would like further information and support regarding adult diagnosis, please contact our Family Support Team on 028 9040 1729 (Option 1).