Am I autistic?

Each person’s experience is highly individual and autism affects different people in different ways. Often people who are on the autism spectrum can experience social communication and interaction challenges, specific patterns of behaviour, intense and highly focused passions/interests, and sensory interests/sensitivities.

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition, although for you it may not have been picked up during childhood. Here at Autism Kent we regularly meet people who have gone through life so far without a diagnosis, feeling that they don’t "fit in" and that they see the world in a different way but don't know why. Sometimes, autistic people develop various strategies or techniques for "masking" or "camouflaging" their social or communication struggles, which is one of the reasons why their difficulties may not have been noticeable to others. Although these strategies can help the person cope with various situations such as social interactions and meetings at work, they can also increase the person's feelings of exhaustion, isolation, and their belief that they are different to others. This can increase psychological difficulties such as high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, shame, and low mood. 

People with autism may experience challenges in relation to:

• Participating in “small talk”, understanding tone of voice & non-verbal communication, e.g. facial expressions
• Understanding abstract concepts
• Finding and maintaining friendships
• Engaging in to-and-fro  conversations
• Understanding others’ feelings and intentions
• Understanding and expressing their own emotions
• Repetitive behaviours
• Preference for routine or predictability
• Sensitivity to sensory experiences, such as noise

It is possible that until now you have found ways to cope with or disguise your difficulties. However, you may now be looking for an assessment because your difficulties are impacting on your life and perhaps causing you to feel overwhelmed, anxious or low in mood. 

For face-to-face assessments we are within easy reach of Canterbury, Faversham, Herne Bay, Maidstone, Medway, Ashford, Sittingbourne, Thanet, Dover and Deal. We also offer online consultations. Please contact us for further information or to arrange an initial consultation on 01227 656953 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..