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Westoak Clinic

  • Autism in Adults - Symptoms,

    Diagnosis & Assessment

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What Are The Signs of Autism in Adults?

Social Communication Difficulties

Struggling with small talk or group conversations.


Difficulty Picking up Social Cues

Missing body language or the tone of someone's voice.


Sensory
​Sensitivities

They may feel overwhelmed by sounds, lights or even textures leading to distress.

Need for
​Routine

Unexpected changes in plans or disruptions in routine can cause distress or anxiety.

Intense 
​Interests

They may have a deep focus on specific topics.


Difficulty with
​Eye Contact

Avoiding or maintaining eye contact


Emotional Regulation Challenges

Feeling easily overwhelmed / having strong reactions to minor triggers.

Social Fatigue or Social Burnout

Exhaustion after social interactions which leads to recovery time.

Masking
​ Behaviours

Hiding autistic traits in order to fit in with others.


Literal 
​Thinking

Struggling with metaphors or idioms. (i.e "Beat around the bush")

Difficulty with Social Boundaries

Unintentionally oversharing or withdrawing.


Sleep 
​Difficulties

Trouble falling or staying asleep.



Social Communication Difficulties

Struggling with small talk or group conversations.


Difficulty Picking up Social Cues

Missing body language or the tone of someone's voice.


Sensory
​Sensitivities

They may feel overwhelmed by sounds, lights or even textures leading to distress.

Need for
​Routine

Unexpected changes in plans or disruptions in routine can cause distress or anxiety.

Intense 
​Interests

They may have a deep focus on specific topics.


Sleep 
​Difficulties

Trouble falling or staying asleep.



Difficulty with
​Eye Contact

Avoiding or maintaining eye contact


Emotional Regulation Challenges

Feeling easily overwhelmed / having strong reactions to minor triggers.

Social Fatigue or Social Burnout

Exhaustion after social interactions which leads to recovery time.

Masking
​ Behaviours

Hiding autistic traits in order to fit in with others.


Literal 
​Thinking

Struggling with metaphors or idioms. (i.e "Beat around the bush")

Difficulty with Social Boundaries

Unintentionally oversharing or withdrawing.


What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes sensory information. 


It is called a "spectrum" because the signs and characteristics can vary widely between individuals, from mild to more significant differences.  People with autism may prefer routines, have specific interests, or experience challenges with understanding social cues. Some may be highly sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures, while others may seek out sensory input. 


Autism is not a disease and is not caused by parenting or vaccines. Early diagnosis and appropriate support can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Why?

An autism assessment is a valuable process that helps individuals better understand themselves. It can highlight unique strengths, clarify challenges, and open the door to appropriate support and resources. 



Receiving a diagnosis can be empowering. It can validate long-held feelings of being different and provide relief from self-doubt.

During Assessment

 When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a quiet, comfortable space where our team will walk you through each step. The assessment is a conversation, not a test - you’ll talk with a clinician about your experiences, strengths, and any challenges you may have faced. 


If helpful, you’re welcome to bring a friend or support person with you. 


What's Next ...

For many people, going through this process brings a deep sense of relief and recognition. It helps put past experiences into context and can provide a new perspective on how to approach work, relationships, and daily life.



A formal diagnosis can lead to personalised support and helpful resources. Most importantly, it can help you feel understood moving forward.

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Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

This describes the natural variety in how people’s brains work. We are all part of neurodiversity.

Neurotypical

Refers to people whose brains function in ways that are considered typical or expected by society.

Neurodevelopmental Condition

This refers to certain patterns of brain development that differ from the neurotypical majority, such as ADHD, autism, or developmental language disorder (DLD).

Neurodivergent:

An umbrella term for people whose brains function differently from the neurotypical majority. This can include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, DLD, and more.

“The world needs all kind of minds.” - Dr. Temple Grandin

Book an Appointment

Taking the first step towards understanding and managing neurodiversity can change completely how someone develops. At West Oak Clinic, we're here to support you with compassionate and professional care.

No Referral Needed

Flexible Scheduling

Expert Clinicians

Confidential Support

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Your Questions, Answered.

Why have you asked for more information after my assessment?
After your initial history and one-to-one assessments, our team meets to review all the information gathered. Following this discussion, we may identify areas where additional details are needed - such as input from your employer or partner. We will always ask for your permission before requesting or gathering any further information.
How can I appeal the outcome of an assessment?

Please wait until you have received your report before requesting an appeal regarding the outcome of your assessment.
Once you have read the report, if you still believe an appeal is appropriate, please contact us for more information about the appeals process.

Do I need a GP referral?

At West Oak clinic, you do not need a GP referral to purchase our services.

What if I do not get a diagnosis from you?

Humans are complex, and your experiences may be better explained by something other than autism - such as past trauma, a learning disability, or a head injury. Some people show traits linked to autism but don’t meet the full criteria. In your feedback meeting, we’ll discuss our findings and guide you toward other possible explanations and sources of support.

Why should I consider getting an assessment as an adult?

Many adults seek an autism assessment to better understand themselves, especially if they’ve experienced long-standing social, sensory, or communication difficulties. A diagnosis can provide clarity, help explain past challenges, and open the door to tailored support, accommodations, and community resources.

Unsure whether to book?


You may not yet know if you should have a full assessment. Some people find talking to a professional in the first instance can help with this decision. Click below to find out more.

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