The Hidden Struggles of Adults Seeking an Autism Diagnosis
- Liz Wooten
- 3 minutes read
By Liz Wooten, LPC
TL;DR:
-
- Clarity can feel empowering: Understanding your diagnosis offers relief and a starting point for embracing your unique wiring.
-
- Support builds confidence: From coaching and therapy to family resources, seeking the right help promotes growth and well-being.
-
- Strengths shape self-advocacy: Recognizing what you’re great at—alongside areas to improve—paves the way for empowered, self-directed living.
Why Is It So Hard for Adults Seeking an Autism Diagnosis?
If you’re here, chances are you’ve spent years—maybe even decades—feeling like you don’t quite fit, like the world makes sense for everyone else, but for you; it’s
exhausting. You might have read about
autism and thought, Wait… this sounds like me. But when you tried to get answers, maybe a doctor dismissed you, or maybe you were told: You don’t look autistic. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. The truth is, autism in adults is still wildly
underdiagnosed, and getting the right support can feel like an uphill battle.
Let’s break it down. Why does this happen? And more importantly—how can we fix it?
Why Do So Many Autistic Adults Go Undiagnosed?
1. Historical Bias in Autism Research
For decades, autism research focused almost entirely on young white boys. The early diagnostic criteria? Built around them. If you didn’t fit that profile—if you were great at copying social behaviors, if you were quiet instead of disruptive, if you were intensely anxious yet still forced yourself through life—chances are, your autism went unnoticed. Many autistic adults today grew up without anyone recognizing their struggles for what they really were.
2. Shifting Diagnostic Criteria Over Time
Autism wasn’t always seen as a spectrum. In fact, the spectrum criteria was only introduced in 2013. If you weren’t a child with clear, observable traits, doctors often didn’t consider autism as an option. Even today, many clinicians use outdated models that don’t account for how autism presents in adults—especially adults who have been
masking their traits for years.
3. Common Misdiagnoses for Autistic Adults
Without the right framework, a lot of autistic adults get mislabeled. You might have been told you have:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- ADHD
While these conditions can co-exist with autism, they don’t fully explain the autistic experience. For many
late-diagnosed adults, finally understanding their
autism makes everything click in a way no other diagnosis ever has.
Masking & Burnout: The Hidden Battle
What Is Masking?
Masking is the art of blending in—the learned ability to copy neurotypical behaviors to avoid being singled out. If you’ve ever forced yourself to make eye contact, rehearsed conversations in advance, or mimicked social cues to “pass” as typical, that’s masking. It can be a survival skill—but it comes at a cost.
The Cost of Long-Term Masking
- Chronic exhaustion and burnout
- Heightened anxiety and depression
- Losing your sense of identity
- Increased risk of autistic burnout, where you physically and emotionally shut down after years of pushing through
This is why so many autistic adults hit a breaking point before finally seeking a diagnosis. They’ve spent years masking, forcing themselves to “push through”—until they just can’t anymore.
How Enlitens Helps Identify Masking
At Enlitens, I use the CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire) to measure levels of
masking . I also look at sensory sensitivities and burnout histories during assessments, because understanding how your brain truly works is the first step toward self-acceptance.
Curious about the process? Check out our
Understanding Autism Testing at Enlitens
.
And if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, visit our
Affordable Autism Testing Page.
The Cost & Accessibility Barrier to Adults Seeking Autism Testing
Why Is Autism Testing for Adults So Expensive?
Let’s talk numbers. Adult autism assessments can range from $1,500–$5,000, depending on the provider and location. Why is the price so high?
- Many insurance plans don’t cover autism testing for adults.
- Testing requires multiple hours of interviews, observations, and report writing.
- Many clinicians don’t specialize in adult autism, so specialists charge a premium.
Limited Providers Specializing in Adult Testing
Because autism has long been considered a childhood condition, most specialists focus on kids. If you’re an adult seeking a diagnosis, you might encounter:
- Months-long waitlists before you can even begin testing.
- Clinicians unfamiliar with how autism presents in adults.
- Outdated assessments that don’t account for masking or sensory differences.
How Enlitens Makes Testing More Accessible
I believe everyone deserves access to a neurodiversity-affirming assessment. That’s why I offer:
- ✅ Flat $500 fee for adult autism testing—clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs.
- ✅ Flexible payment plans to ease the financial burden.
- ✅ Neurodiversity-affirming testing that accounts for masking and lived experiences.
- ✅ A clear, supportive approach that makes sure you leave with answers, not confusion.
If you’re looking for affordable autism testing with a focus on clarity and validation, I’m here to help.
Gender Bias in Autism Diagnoses
Why Autism Presents Differently in Women & AFAB Individuals
Autism doesn’t always look the way people expect it to—especially in women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB). Many autistic women develop strong social masking skills, leading to missed diagnoses.
- Instead of obvious social struggles, many internalize their distress as anxiety or perfectionism.
- Studies show autistic women are diagnosed 5–10 years later than autistic men, if at all.
Recognizing Autism in Women & AFAB Individuals
🚀 Common signs:
- Strong special interests (but often in socially “acceptable” topics).
- Deep sensitivity to rejection and emotional burnout.
- High verbal abilities masking underlying social challenges.
🔎 How Enlitens Addresses This Bias
- Using the CAT-Q to assess camouflaging behaviors.
- Framing traits as differences, not deficits.
- Recognizing the diverse ways autism presents in adults.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Late Diagnosis
Mental Health Impacts of a Missed Autism Diagnosis
Many late-diagnosed autistic adults describe the years before their diagnosis as confusing, frustrating, and isolating. Research shows that undiagnosed autism can increase the risk of:
- Anxiety and depression, often due to years of feeling “different” without explanation.
- Workplace struggles caused by unrecognized sensory and communication differences.
- Relationship difficulties stemming from feeling misunderstood or emotionally disconnected.
The Moment Everything Clicks
For many, finally receiving an autism diagnosis is a game-changer. You’re not broken. You’re not “too sensitive” or “too intense.”
Your brain is just wired differently, and that’s okay.
If this resonates with you, our autism testing services can provide the clarity and validation you deserve.
Why Post-Diagnosis Support Matters
Getting diagnosed is just the beginning. What happens next?
- ✅ Self-advocacy: Learning how to navigate work, relationships, and accommodations.
- ✅ Therapy & Coaching: Working with an autism-informed therapist to unpack years of masking.
- ✅ Community & Connection: Finding other autistic adults who just get it.
At Enlitens, I make sure you don’t leave your diagnosis feeling lost. You’ll get:
- A clear roadmap for next steps.
- Resources for therapy, coaching, and self-advocacy.
- A supportive, neurodiversity-affirming approach to embracing your autistic identity.
You Deserve Answers. Let’s Find Them Together.
You’ve spent years wondering, questioning, and trying to make sense of things. You deserve answers. You deserve understanding. And most of all—you deserve support.
💡 Ready to take the next step? Schedule a Consultation Today.
*The information here is meant to guide and inform, not replace the care of a qualified healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about a medical or mental-health condition, please reach out to a trusted provider. The examples shared are based on general personas—no personal health details are used. At Enlitens, your privacy is a top priority, and we fully comply with HIPAA regulations to keep your information safe and confidential.
Liked the post? Give it a a share!!
Sharing knowledge is one of the most powerful ways to support the neurodiverse community. By spreading valuable insights, we can help more people understand and embrace their neurodiversity, leading to more fulfilling lives. Click below to share this article and make a difference!