Adults on the spectrum

Masking (in research mostly camouflaging) means strategies by which people on the autism spectrum adapt to an environment shaped mainly by people without autism, for example by deliberately making eye contact or preparing topics of conversation. People report that they want to avoid exclusion in this way. In several studies, stronger camouflaging was linked to more anxiety and depression; this is an association and not proof of cause and effect. Respondents also reported exhaustion.

In detail: Masking: when adapting is exhausting

"Autistic burnout" is a term that people on the autism spectrum themselves talk about a lot and that research has only recently begun to study. One study describes it as a state of chronic stress and a mismatch between demands and abilities when suitable support is lacking; signs are long-lasting exhaustion, loss of skills and lower tolerance for stimuli. It is not an officially defined clinical condition.

In detail: Autistic burnout

A systematic review of 26 studies summarised two big themes: experiencing constant struggle (including the difficult path to diagnosis, inconsistent support and stigma) and disclosure (emotional reactions and developing an identity on the autism spectrum). The diagnosis can give understanding, acceptance and community, but stigma, regret and lack of support afterwards remain a problem for many.

In detail: Late diagnosis: what can change

In childhood, clearly more boys than girls receive an autism diagnosis. A large Swedish study of 2,756,779 people found that the ratio evens out with increasing age at diagnosis; by age 20 it was about 1.2 in 2022. This suggests that many girls and women are not diagnosed less often but later. The study did not examine why this is so.

In detail: Women and autism: why the diagnosis often comes later

That is your decision; there are reasons for and against. The 2021 guideline recommended advising employers and supervisors before work begins; informing colleagues can be considered with the person's involvement. We have read no source on a general duty to disclose a diagnosis. If unsure, get advice, for example from the integration office or the EUTB.

In detail: Disclose the diagnosis at work?