I received a diagnosis as an adult
Did you receive an autism diagnosis as an adult? Orientation on everyday life, work, housing and rights.
Where do I stand?
A diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and raise new questions: What does it mean for my everyday life, my work and my rights? This page leads you to articles that support you with this. It does not replace personal advice.
Typical questions
- How am I doing with constantly adapting? Masking: when adapting is exhausting, Autistic burnout
- Do I need therapy? According to the 2021 S3 guideline, an autism diagnosis does not automatically mean that therapy is needed. [1, Rec. 1] The guideline expired on 23.03.2026. [2] More: What support helps?, for anxiety and depression Psychotherapy in autism.
- Which rights and benefits are there? Severe disability card and GdB, Marks (Merkzeichen), Integration assistance under SGB IX, personal budget
- What about work? Work and career, benefits for participation in working life
- How can I live? Living with autism, housing and assistance
- How do I make applications? Applying and filing an objection, Understanding the support system
First steps
- Give yourself time. You do not have to decide anything straight away. Read at your own pace which topics matter to you now.
- Look for exchange. Aspies e.V., NAKOS and the Bundesverband autismus Deutschland name groups and regional associations; Autismuskompakt also offers an overview for adults.
- Get independent advice. The EUTB advises on participation, independent of benefit providers. More: Finding independent advice.
- Clarify work and rights. The Federal Employment Agency’s advice for people with disabilities and the integration offices (BIH) are contact points for participation in working life. VdK and SoVD offer social-law advice for members.
- Use templates. The information sheet on deadlines and the sample letter for an objection (in German) help with decision notices.
Terms
Masking · Autistic burnout · Degree of disability · Integration assistance
If you are not doing well right now
In acute danger call the emergency number 112. The TelefonSeelsorge is available free of charge and anonymously around the clock; it is not an autism-specific service.
Sources and literature
- DGKJP/DGPPN et al.: Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter, Teil 2: Therapie. Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Langversion, Stand Text 02.05.2021. https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-047l_S3_Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerungen-Kindes-Jugend-Erwachsenenalter-Therapie_2021-04_1.pdf
- DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/
Articles for you
Knowledge articleTherapies & support
Recognising controversial and dubious offers
Knowledge articleTherapies & support
Behavioural early interventions (ABA, ESDM): evidence and criticism
Knowledge articlePathways & orientation
Reduced earning capacity pension and basic income support: what the law regulates
Knowledge articleScience & research
The S3 guidelines on autism: content and validity status
Knowledge articlePathways & orientation
Severe disability at work: rights, protection against dismissal and equivalent status
Knowledge articleAssessment & diagnosis
Referral, costs and waiting times
Support near you
You will find assessment centres, counselling and self-help in the directory of services.
Found a mistake?
If something is factually wrong, out of date or unclear, let us know. You do not have to give any personal details.