I suspect autism in myself

Typical questions

• Can you only realise as an adult that you are on the spectrum? Autism begins in the developmental period. Sometimes, however, the features only become clear when the demands in life increase. This is one possible reason why some people only receive their diagnosis as adults. ^[1] More: Assessment in adulthood
• How does the assessment work? How an autism assessment works and ADOS-2, ADI-R and screening
• Is an online questionnaire enough? Screening instruments are not suitable for making a diagnosis but are an indication for further assessment. ^[2]
• What does it mean to adapt and become exhausted by it? Masking: when adapting is exhausting and Autistic burnout
• Could it be something else or something in addition? Autism and ADHD; Common co-occurring conditions

First steps

1. Get informed. Read what autism is and how differently it can show: What is autism?
2. Reconstruct early development. In assessment in adulthood, reconstructing early development is a particular challenge. According to an expert overview, asking relatives and looking at old documents are helpful. ^{[2; 3]}
3. Ask for an assessment. Assessment for adults is available at specialised services, often with waiting times; responsibilities differ by region. One example is the Marburg Institute for Autism Research and Therapy (Marburger Institut für Autismusforschung und Therapie). You will find further services in the directory of contact points (in German), in the private overview Autismuskompakt (contact points for adults) and in the FASMA directory; always check details directly with the service.
4. Look for exchange. Self-help can bring relief, for example Aspies e.V. with groups by postcode and online (for adults and relatives), or NAKOS for self-help groups across Germany.
5. Get independent advice. Finding independent advice: what the EUTB does.

Terms

Autism spectrum disorder · Masking · Autistic burnout · Co-occurring condition

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

1. World Health Organization: ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, Code 6A02 „Autism spectrum disorder“, Version 2025-01 (Definition und Unterkategorien 6A02.0–6A02.Z).
2. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I (Klinik für KJP, Universitätsklinikum Marburg): Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie (Rosenfluh) 2024;(4+5):27–32. https://rosenfluh.ch/media/paediatrie/2024/04-05/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung.pdf
3. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I: Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung bei Kindern und Erwachsenen. Psychiatrie + Neurologie 2024;(1):14 ff. (Rosenfluh). https://www.rosenfluh.ch/media/psychiatrie-neurologie/2024/01/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung-bei-Kindern-und-Erwachsenen.pdf