Everyone can experience periods of stress and exhaustion, but some autistic adults describe a deeper and more persistent form of exhaustion that affects their ability to manage everyday life. This is commonly referred to as autistic burnout. Autistic burnout can involve significant mental and physical exhaustion, reduced capacity to manage everyday demands and increased sensitivity to sensory or social environments. It may develop after a prolonged period of coping with deman

Some autistic adults spend years adapting the way they communicate, behave or respond in social situations in an effort to fit in with the people around them. This is often referred to as autism masking or camouflaging. Masking can involve consciously changing certain behaviours, but it can also become so familiar that someone may not immediately realise they are doing it. For some people, these strategies begin during childhood and continue well into adult life. Masking is o

Autism is often associated with childhood, but many people reach adulthood without ever receiving a diagnosis. Some may have spent decades feeling different from those around them, finding certain social situations difficult or becoming overwhelmed by sensory environments without understanding why. Greater awareness of Autism in Adults means more people are now recognising autistic traits in themselves and seeking professional assessment later in life. For some, this happens

If you have noticed traits associated with autism in yourself or someone close to you, an autism screening can be a useful first step towards understanding whether further assessment may be appropriate. Screening typically looks at behaviours and experiences commonly associated with autism, such as social communication, sensory sensitivities, routines, focused interests, and how you respond to different social situations. It is important to remember that screening is not the

If you've been referred by your GP for an ADHD or autism assessment, you may have heard the term Right to Choose but be unsure what it actually means. The NHS Right to Choose scheme gives eligible patients in England the opportunity to choose their healthcare provider for certain NHS services, including ADHD and autism assessments. Instead of automatically joining your local NHS waiting list, you may be able to choose an approved provider, such as Dr J & Colleagues, while sti

Many people experience moments when their surroundings feel overwhelming, but for individuals with autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sensory overload can occur more frequently and have a significant impact on daily life. Sensory overload happens when the brain receives more sensory information than it can comfortably process. Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, busy environments, or certain textures can quickly become overwhelming, making it di

Many people associate autism with childhood, but it is increasingly common for individuals to seek an autism diagnosis later in life. Growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) means more adults are recognising traits that may have been present for many years without being fully understood.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects people in different ways, and many adults may go through life without realising they are autistic. Increasing awareness surrounding adult autism means more people are now recognising lifelong traits that may previously have been misunderstood or overlooked. Autism in adults can affect communication, routines, social interaction, sensory experiences, and emotional wellbeing. While every individual experiences autism differently, understan

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often associated with childhood, yet many adults reach later life without ever receiving a diagnosis. Increasing awareness and improved diagnostic pathways mean more adults in the UK are now seeking assessments for autism. An adult autism diagnosis can provide clarity, self-understanding, and access to appropriate support. At Dr J and Colleagues, we regularly see individuals who have spent years feeling “different” without understanding why.