Written by: Dr James Cullingford - Clinical Psychologist and Director of Profound Psychology
Published: March 2026
Updated: October 2026
Autism is one of the most widely discussed yet frequently misunderstood neurodevelopmental conditions.
Over the past decade, awareness of autism has increased significantly. More adults are seeking assessments than ever before, more parents are exploring whether autism may explain their child's experiences, and increasing numbers of women are receiving diagnoses later in life after years of being overlooked. Despite this growing awareness, many myths and misconceptions about autism continue to exist.
For some people, the word Autism immediately brings to mind outdated stereotypes. They may picture someone who avoids all social interaction, has obvious communication difficulties, or displays behaviours that are easily recognisable to others. While these experiences may reflect some autistic individuals, they represent only a small part of a much broader and more diverse picture.
Autism affects people in different ways. Some autistic individuals are highly social but find social interaction exhausting. Others appear confident and capable on the surface while privately struggling with sensory overload, anxiety, burnout, emotional exhaustion, or the effort involved in navigating everyday life. Many spend years masking their difficulties and adapting to the expectations of others before recognising that autism may explain experiences they have never fully understood.
This guide explores:
What is Autism
Common Signs and Traits of Autism
Autism in Children
Autism in Adults
Autism in Women
Autism in Young Girls
Masking in Autism
Sensory Processing
Executive Functioning
Friendships
Relationships
Social Anxiety
Sleep Problems
Autistic Burnout
Autism and Mental Health
Do I need an Autism Assessment?
Autism Assessments in Lincolnshire
What does an Autism Assessment Involve?
Post-Diagnostic Support
Adapted Talking Therapies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference; this means that a person is born autistic, and is autistic throughout their life. Being autistic affects how a person experiences, processes, and interacts with the world around them.
Being autistic does not mean something is wrong with a person.
Rather, it reflects a different way of thinking, processing information, communicating, regulating emotions, and experiencing sensory input. This influences many aspects of daily life.
The diagnostic criteria looks at:
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Differences in spoken or non-spoken communication (e.g., interpret language literally, find socialising tiring, preferring to talk about favourite topics).
Differences in non-verbal communication (e.g., prefer not to give eye contact, different use or intensity of gestures, find it hard to understand others emotions through their body language).
Differences in how you manage and maintain friendships and relationships (e.g., it takes a lot of effort, find it hard to navigate conflicts, enjoy spending time on own or with people with shared interests).
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Preference or need for particular movements or actions.
Preferences for predictability and routine.
Deep interest or passions for specific hobbies, topics or activities.
Differences in sensory experiences; gaining pleasure or becoming distressed by certain smells, sounds, textures, and/or tastes.
Autism is often described as a spectrum.
This does not mean people are "more" or "less" autistic. Instead, it reflects the enormous diversity of autistic experiences. Two autistic individuals may have very different strengths, challenges, needs, and personalities while both being equally autistic.
Common Signs and Traits of Autism
Autism presents differently from person to person, but there are several common themes that many autistic individuals recognise.
These may include:
feeling different from peers
difficulties understanding social expectations
sensory sensitivities
strong interests or passions
preference for routine and predictability
difficulties with unexpected change
social exhaustion
emotional overwhelm
executive functioning challenges
masking or camouflaging behaviours
Many autistic adults report recognising these traits only in hindsight after learning more about autism.
Autism in Children
Autism is something that you are born with, and some subtle differences may be noticed in infants as young as 6-12 months, however, guidelines highlight difficulties in making a diagnosis before the age of 2-years-old.
Some of the earliest features that might be noticed include:
lack of babbling
delay in speech
not responding to their name (despite no hearing loss)
less interested in other interaction or play with others
not giving eye contact
play that is repetitive or lacks variety or imagination
repetitive movements such as rocking, spinning, flapping
big reactions to sensory experiences e.g., loud noises, bright lights
Often, autistic children find the transition of moving from primary school to secondary school especially challenging, often due to factors such as changes in levels of structure and routine, new and unfamiliar people and environments as well as increased social demands. Having an understanding of a child’s needs prior to this transition can be helpful in identifying support that could aid this transition and make secondary school a more positive and inclusive experience.
Autism in Adults
Many people still assume autism is something that is identified during childhood.
However, increasing numbers of adults are receiving autism diagnoses later in life.
Some individuals reach adulthood without anyone recognising their autistic traits. They may have developed coping strategies, achieved academically, maintained employment, or built relationships, yet still feel that everyday life requires significantly more effort than it appears to require for other people.
Many adults describe lifelong experiences such as:
feeling different
social exhaustion
sensory overload
anxiety
burnout
relationship difficulties
chronic masking
For some, discovering autism provides a framework that finally explains years of confusion and self-doubt.
For further information see this article: Autism in Adults: 10 Signs You Might Have Been Overlooked
Autism in Women
Autism in women has historically been under-recognised.
Many diagnostic models were developed using predominantly male populations, which means that autistic girls and women were often missed.
Women frequently develop sophisticated masking strategies that hide autistic traits from others. They may appear socially successful while privately feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected.
Many autistic women describe:
chronic people-pleasing
social anxiety
perfectionism
exhaustion after social interaction
intense efforts to fit in
burnout
As awareness grows, increasing numbers of women are receiving diagnoses in adulthood.
For further information see this article: Late Autism Diagnosis in Women
Autism in Young Girls
Autistic girls are often overlooked because they may present differently from stereotypical expectations.
Instead of displaying obvious social difficulties, many girls become skilled observers. They watch, imitate, and learn social behaviours from peers.
As a result, difficulties may remain hidden for years.
Girls are often more likely to:
mask
internalise distress
develop anxiety
appear socially engaged while struggling internally
Understanding autism in girls is essential for early identification and support.
For further information see this article: Autism in Girls
Masking in Autism
Masking refers to the conscious or unconscious process of hiding autistic traits and adopting behaviours that appear more socially typical.
Many autistic people learn to:
rehearse conversations
suppress stimming
force eye contact
imitate social behaviour
monitor every interaction
While masking may help someone fit in socially, it often comes at a significant emotional cost.
Many autistic adults describe feeling exhausted, disconnected from themselves, and constantly worried about making mistakes.
Over time, chronic masking can contribute to anxiety, stress, and burnout.
For further information see this article: Masking in Autism: What It Is and Why It's Exhausting
Sensory Processing and Autism
Sensory differences are one of the most common aspects of autism.
Autistic people may experience sounds, lights, smells, textures, temperatures, or other sensory information differently.
Some individuals become overwhelmed by sensory input.
Others actively seek sensory experiences.
Sensory sensitivities can affect:
work
education
social situations
relationships
sleep
emotional regulation
Many autistic people spend years trying to cope with sensory environments that others barely notice.
For further information see this article: Sensory Overload in Autism
Autism and Executive Functioning
Executive functioning refers to the mental skills involved in planning, organisation, prioritisation, emotional regulation, working memory, and task completion.
Many autistic individuals experience executive functioning differences.
This can affect:
time management
planning and organisation
getting tasks started
flexibility e.g., problem-solving, managing changes
transitions
decision-making
These challenges are often misunderstood because they are largely invisible.
An autistic person may appear capable and intelligent while privately struggling to manage everyday demands.
For further information see this article: Autism and Executive Functioning
Autism and Friendships
Friendships can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging for autistic adults.
Many autistic people want connection but find social expectations difficult to navigate.
Some struggle to make friends.
Others form friendships but find them difficult to maintain.
Many report feeling lonely despite wanting meaningful relationships.
Friendship difficulties often stem from differences in communication, social processing, emotional energy, and expectations rather than a lack of interest in people.
For further information see this article: Autism and Friendships in Adults
Autism and Relationships
Romantic relationships can be rewarding but may also present unique challenges.
Differences in communication styles, sensory needs, routines, emotional expression, and social expectations can affect relationships.
Many autistic adults report difficulties feeling understood by partners who do not share their experiences.
At the same time, many autistic people develop deeply meaningful and fulfilling relationships when understanding and communication are prioritised.
For further information see this article: Autism and Relationships in Adults
Autism and Social Anxiety
Autism and social anxiety are frequently confused.
Both can involve discomfort in social situations.
However, the underlying reasons are often different.
Social anxiety is primarily driven by fear of judgement.
Autism involves differences in social communication, sensory processing, and social understanding.
Many autistic people experience both.
Understanding the distinction is important because it affects support and assessment.
For further information see this article: Autism vs Social Anxiety
Autism and Sleep Problems
Sleep difficulties are extremely common among autistic children and adults.
Many autistic individuals experience:
difficulty falling asleep
sensory discomfort
racing thoughts
sleep anxiety
irregular sleep patterns
Poor sleep can affect emotional regulation, concentration, sensory processing, and overall wellbeing.
For further information see this article: Autism and Sleep Problems
Autistic Burnout
Autistic burnout is a state of profound physical, emotional, and cognitive exhaustion. It can look similar to depression, but has key differences.
It often develops after prolonged periods of masking, stress, sensory overload, and unmet support needs.
Burnout may affect:
energy
concentration
emotional regulation
sensory tolerance
daily functioning; some people describe ‘skill regression’ or not being able to do things they might have been able to do before
Many autistic adults describe burnout as one of the most significant experiences of their lives.
For further information see this article: Autistic Burnout
Autism and Mental Health
Autistic people may experience higher rates of:
anxiety
depression
stress
burnout
loneliness
These difficulties often develop in response to years of misunderstanding, sensory overwhelm, social challenges, and pressure to fit into environments that do not meet their needs.
Understanding autism can often be an important step towards improving mental wellbeing.
Do I Need an Autism Assessment?
Recognising a few traits does not mean a person is autistic. There are lots of things that need to be considered when assessing for autism. Many people begin exploring autism after recognising themselves in articles like this.
You may wish to consider an assessment if you experience:
sensory sensitivities
social exhaustion
masking
friendship difficulties
difficulties with change
executive functioning challenges
autistic burnout
lifelong feelings of being different
Assessment can provide clarity, understanding, and practical recommendations.
For further information see this article: Do I Need an Autism Assessment?
Autism Assessments in Lincoln
At Profound Psychology, we provide comprehensive autism assessments for adults, children, and young people across Lincoln and surrounding areas.
Our assessments explore:
developmental history
social communication
sensory processing
executive functioning
emotional regulation
relationships
strengths and support needs
Our aim is to provide clarity, understanding, and neuro-affirming recommendations tailored to each individual.
For further information see this article: Autism Diagnosis Lincoln
What does an autism assessment involve?
Seeking out an autism assessment can feel daunting, and you might be worried about what to expect. At Profound Psychology, we aim to do what we can to make the experience feel as comfortable as possible for you, including working out your preferences and any adjustments you might need during the assessment.
Typically, our process starts out with asking you, or your parents/carers to fill out some questionnaires to help us to understand a bit more about any autistic traits.
If you are an adult seeking an assessment, we will have a conversation with yourself to understand your developmental history - how things were as an infant and a child, was your development as expected, has anything happened in your life that might have had a big impact on you, and what life has been like up until this point. It is helpful if somebody who knows you well, or would be able to help provide this information could be with you (e.g., parent, partner, sibling).
If you are parents of a child seeking an autism assessment, we will speak with yourselves to get this information. In most cases, we will also try to speak to the child’s teacher for information on how they are in the classroom environment.
For children, it is always helpful for the assessor to be able to observe the child across different environments; usually within the home and education. This helps to understand the child’s behaviours, strengths and challenges a little bit better.
An additional observational assessment is completed, where the adult or child being assessed will sit down with a clinician and be asked to do a number of tasks, as well as being asked some questions such as about their friendships and emotions.
For more information on our processes and fees, please see our page: Autism Assessment in Lincoln
Post-Diagnostic Autism Support
Receiving an autism diagnosis can be life-changing, but for many people it is only the beginning of the journey. While diagnosis often brings relief, validation, and understanding, it can also raise new questions about identity, relationships, work, education, and what comes next.
At Profound Psychology, we provide post-diagnostic autism support to help individuals and families make sense of their diagnosis and understand how autism affects everyday life. Together, we explore strengths, support needs, sensory differences, executive functioning challenges, emotional wellbeing, masking, burnout, relationships, and practical adjustments that may improve quality of life. Whether you have recently received an autism diagnosis or were diagnosed some time ago, post-diagnostic support can help you move beyond simply understanding autism towards developing greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and confidence in living authentically as an autistic person.
Adapted Talking Therapy for Autistic Adults and Young People
Many autistic people find that traditional counselling or therapy has not fully met their needs. Standard therapeutic approaches often assume social, emotional, and communication styles that may not align with an autistic person's experience of the world.
At Profound Psychology, we offer neuroaffirming adapted talking therapy that recognises and respects neurodivergent ways of thinking, processing emotions, and communicating. Rather than expecting autistic individuals to fit into a traditional therapeutic model, our approach is tailored to the person. Therapy may focus on understanding autistic identity, managing anxiety, reducing overwhelm, recovering from burnout, improving self-esteem, navigating relationships, coping with sensory challenges, or processing the impact of years of masking and misunderstanding.
Our goal is to create a safe, affirming space where autistic adults and young people can explore their experiences without judgement and develop strategies that genuinely work for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism
What causes autism?
Whilst there has been much debate over the ‘causes’ of autism over the years, a recent review of research (September 2026) has proposed that autism is genetic. There has been no identified gene for autism, and there is no genetic test you can take to determine whether you are autistic.
Can adults be autistic without knowing it?
Yes. Many adults receive autism diagnoses later in life after years of misunderstanding their experiences.
Is autism different in women?
Yes. Women often present differently and may heavily mask autistic traits, making diagnosis more difficult. However, there is not one single “female presentation” and this is more of a generalisation.
Do autistic people want friendships?
Many autistic people value friendship deeply but may experience challenges forming or maintaining relationships.
Can autism cause sensory overload?
Yes. Sensory sensitivities are one of the most common autistic experiences.
What is autistic burnout?
Autistic burnout is a state of profound exhaustion often caused by prolonged stress, masking, and sensory overwhelm.
How do I arrange an autism assessment in Lincoln?
Profound Psychology provides autism assessments for adults, children, and young people in Lincoln and surrounding areas.
Where can I access neuroaffirming adapted psychological therapy in Lincoln?
Profound Psychology provides psychological therapy adapted to the needs of autistic adults, children, and young people in Lincoln and across Lincolnshire.
How can I learn more about autism and the support I or my family needs?
Profound Psychology has a number of helpful resources on their website and also offers individualised post-diagnostic support sessions aimed at helping you and others better understand Autism.
References
● World Health Organization. ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics.
● National Autistic Society (2026). Autism is genetic. Published 15 September 2026.
● National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2025). Autism in children: Diagnosis in a preschool child. Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS). Last revised April 2025.
All sources accessed 15 October 2026.