What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong difference in how someone experiences the world. It is not an illness and does not need to be cured. Autistic people think, feel, and sense the world in unique ways.

Doctors look for signs in two main areas:

1. Social communication and interaction – like reading social cues, making eye contact, or joining small talk.

2. Repetitive patterns, special interests, and sensory differences – like strong focus on one subject, repeated actions, or needing routine.

How autism shows up in adults
Autism does not always look like the stereotypes. Late-diagnosed adults often say they:

• Always felt “different” but could never explain why.

• Copy social rules to fit in, then feel exhausted (masking).

• Have very strong interests and hobbies.

• Struggle with noisy or bright places.

• Prefer honesty and direct talk, dislike vague or unclear rules.

• Have cycles of burnout after too much pressure or sensory overload.

Hidden or less-known signs

• Autistic burnout (deep exhaustion, sometimes lasting months).

• Trouble recognising their own emotions (alexithymia).

• Needing recovery time after socialising.

• Stimming (like tapping, rocking, or humming) as a way to self-soothe.

• Strong sense of justice and fairness.

Facts and figures

• Autism affects around 1–2% of people worldwide.

• Men are still diagnosed more, but research shows autism is equally common in women.

• Many women, people of colour, and adults were missed in childhood due to bias in how autism was defined.

• Adult diagnosis is growing quickly, with waiting lists often several years long.

Myths vs reality

• Myth: All autistic people are geniuses or can’t speak.
  Reality: Autism is a spectrum. Every autistic person is different.

• Myth: Autistic people don’t want friends.
  Reality: Many do, but they may prefer fewer, deeper connections.

• Myth: Autism is rare.
  Reality: It is common — we just notice it more now.