How do I know if I am autistic?

Autism diagnosis is clinical — there is no blood test or scan that confirms it. It is carried out by a specialist physician (a neurologist or psychiatrist) or a psychologist trained in neurodevelopmental conditions.

Signs that may point to autism in adults (especially those not diagnosed in childhood):

Social difficulties: social interactions feel more effortful and confusing than they seem to for others; difficulty reading nonverbal cues, sarcasm, and implied meaning; needing to consciously learn social rules that others seem to pick up intuitively.

Sensory differences: sounds, lights, textures, smells, or touch that barely register for others can be intensely uncomfortable.

A need for routine and predictability: unexpected changes cause disproportionate distress; routines are essential to functioning well.

Intense interests: one or a few topics that deeply absorb attention and bring intense enjoyment.

Social exhaustion: social interactions are far more tiring than they seem to be for others; a lot of alone time is needed to recharge.

History: similar difficulties going back to childhood (even if undiagnosed at the time), often linked to struggles at school and in social relationships.

If several of these resonate strongly, seeking an evaluation from a specialized professional is the way forward. Screening questionnaires like the AQ-50 (Autism Quotient) can indicate whether a formal evaluation is worthwhile, but they do not replace a diagnosis.