Expert assessments designed to bring clarity and direction
Autism Assessments
Welcome to Mentalwell’s specialised Autism assessment service. If you or your loved one wants clarity around lifelong traits or current challenges, our clinicians are here to provide understanding, guidance and support.
Why Mentalwell?
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We offer experienced clinicians who understand the wide range of ways autism can present both in adulthood and childhood, including traits that are often subtle, internalised or overlooked.
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Our approach is holistic, recognising how autistic adults may experience communication differences, sensory sensitivities, social fatigue, masking behaviours and challenges around routines, anxiety or change.
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At Mentalwell, you can request to be assessed by a clinician whose perspective or communication style you feel most comfortable with, helping ensure a supportive and relatable assessment experience.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain processes information, communication, social interaction and sensory experiences. While autistic traits are present from childhood, many adults do not receive a diagnosis until later in life, often after years of navigating challenges without a clear explanation.
There is a growing understanding of how autism can present differently across individuals, and our aim is to provide clarity around common traits, reasons for late recognition or misdiagnosis, and the support available in the UK.
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurological difference and disability that affects how individuals experience and engage with the world. While every autistic person is unique, a diagnosis reflects shared differences in thought, feeling, and communication compared to non-autistic people.
As an autistic person, you might find yourself reacting to and processing feelings differently from others. You may find social interactions confusing or exhausting, and you might easily become overwhelmed in environments that are loud or busy. Other common characteristics include having deep, intense interests, preferring predictability and routine, and using repetitive movements or actions for self-soothing or to express happiness.
The autistic brain processes information uniquely, influencing how individuals engage with and express themselves to the wider world. Receiving a diagnosis is often a long-awaited moment of affirmation, bringing a sense of validation for feeling different. Access to necessary support, increased clarity, a feeling of belonging, and peace of mind can result from this.
What are the signs of having Autism?
Autism can look different from person to person, and many people first notice signs either in early childhood or much later in adulthood. The points below highlight some of the most common traits that may appear at different stages of life. These are not a checklist for diagnosis, but a helpful guide to understand patterns that might indicate someone is on the autism spectrum.
Signs of Autism at a young age:
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Making Friends: Finding it tricky to understand how people talk or act in groups, and sometimes struggling to make or keep friends.
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Super Senses: Feeling things like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures much more strongly than other people.
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Worries: Feeling worried or anxious a lot, often because of the things they feel or when things change suddenly.
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Desire for Routine: Liking things to stay the same, like having a set schedule, and feeling upset if plans change.
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Talking and Listening: Taking what people say very literally. It can be hard to understand jokes, sarcasm, or when people don't say exactly what they mean.
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Special Hobbies: Having one or two very strong, favourite topics or hobbies that they know everything about.
How Common is Autism in Women in the UK?
Various studies suggest that the ratio of autistic males to females ranges from 2:1 to 5:1. The most up-to-date estimate is 3:1. Research indicates a significant number of women and girls could remain undiagnosed.
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Diagnosed Ratios: Officially diagnosed cases show a clear gender gap, with men being diagnosed far more frequently than women. A 2009 survey of adults in England found a diagnosed rate of 1.8% in men and boys, compared to just 0.2% in women and girls. More recent data from a 2021 study in England reported a 2.8% prevalence rate in boys versus 0.65% in girls.
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Undiagnosed Population: A 2023 study estimated that between 150,000 and 500,000 adults aged 20 to 49 in England may be autistic but undiagnosed. If the true gender ratio is closer to 2:1 or 3:1, it suggests that hundreds of thousands of women could be living without a formal diagnosis and appropriate support.
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Increasing Awareness: There has been an increase in women seeking a diagnosis in recent years. In Wales, the number of women seeking support nearly tripled over the five years leading up to 2023/24, a trend also noted in England.
How is Autism Treated, and is There a Cure?
Autism is not an illness or disease and, as such, can not be cured; it is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference in how the brain works. Whilst there is no cure or treatment, support is heavily focused on managing each individual's needs with management of their specific challenges to improve their quality of life.
Can Autism be prevented?
As autism arises from an interaction of genetic and environmental factors that affect early brain development, it is not possible to prevent the condition of autism. Focus remains on an early diagnosis and interventions to support individuals and improve their quality of life.
Outlook and Prognosis for Women with Autism
The outlook and prognosis for women with autism are highly variable and individual, but are significantly influenced by whether they receive a timely and accurate diagnosis and the level of appropriate support they receive throughout their lives. While many autistic women live long, healthy, and happy lives, health inequalities and a high prevalence of co-occurring conditions present challenges.
Many women are diagnosed later in life because they are more likely to "mask" or camouflage their autistic traits to fit in. A late diagnosis often means years without appropriate support, which can lead to poorer mental and physical health outcomes. After a diagnosis, many women report a sense of relief and clarity, which improves their self-understanding and quality of life.
With the right support and appropriate environmental adjustments, many autistic people, including women, can thrive. Support strategies focus on developing coping skills, enhancing communication, and creating inclusive environments in education and the workplace. Many autistic women are successful in employment and relationships, particularly if their individual needs are accommodated.
A Note from Mentalwell
It’s important to remember that if you or someone you care about is experiencing persistent difficulties with social communication, sensory sensitivities, routines, or overwhelming anxiety in certain environments, these challenges may be related to autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a reflection of personality, effort or capability. If you suspect you might be autistic, booking an assessment can be an important step toward understanding yourself more fully and accessing the right support. With clarity, you can begin developing strategies that reduce stress, improve daily functioning and help you build on your unique strengths.
Signs of Autism as an adult:
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Social and Communication:
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Difficulty with social cues (non-verbal communication, rules).
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Challenges with conversation (small talk, turn-taking).
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Trouble forming relationships or preferring solitude.
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Struggling to express or understand feelings, causing misunderstandings.
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Literal interpretation; difficulty with sarcasm or metaphor.
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Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours:
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Intense, specific interests and extensive knowledge.
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Strong need for routine; anxiety from unexpected changes.
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Repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping), especially under stress.
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Executive function issues: planning, prioritizing, time management.
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Sensory Sensitivities:
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Heightened or reduced sensitivity to senses (sounds, smells, sights, tastes, touch).
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Sensory seeking for comfort.
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Sensory aversion (e.g., avoiding certain textures).
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What Causes Autism?
Autism is a complex, lifelong neurodevelopmental condition arising from an interaction of genetic and environmental factors that affect early brain development. The underlying causes in women are the same as in men; there is no evidence that the exact cause is different between the sexes.
Research indicates that Autism stems from a combination of:
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Genetic influences
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Environmental influences
These factors appear to increase the risk of developing autism and shape its presentation. However, a crucial distinction must be made between increased risk and direct causation. For instance, some genetic variations linked to autism also occur in non-autistic individuals. Similarly, exposure to an environmental risk factor does not guarantee that a person will develop the disorder.
Living Well with Autism: Self-Care Strategies
Living well with autism involves understanding and accepting your unique needs and implementing personalised strategies to manage energy, sensory input, and mental health. These self-care strategies help prevent autistic burnout and promote a fulfilling life:
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Prioritise Rest and Downtime: Sensory processing and social demands can be extremely tiring. Schedule regular, non-negotiable breaks for quiet activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or just resting in a calm space. Learning to say "no" to draining commitments is a vital boundary.
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Manage Sensory Input: Identify your sensory triggers (sights, sounds, smells, textures) and develop coping mechanisms.
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Carry a sensory toolkit with items like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or comfort items.
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Adapt your home and work environment, for example, by using dim lighting, soft blankets, or unscented personal care products.
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Embrace Stimming and Special Interests: Self-stimulatory behaviours (stimming) are a natural way to release tension and anxiety. Allow yourself to engage in these without shame. Immersing yourself in your special interests is a powerful self-care resource that provides calm and confidence.
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Build a Supportive Routine: Predictability can significantly reduce anxiety. Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes set times for rest, meals, hygiene, and enjoyable activities. Visual timetables or phone reminders can help with organisation and reduce executive function difficulties.
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Practice Self-Acceptance and Reduce Masking: Long-term social masking (hiding autistic traits to fit in) can lead to exhaustion and poor mental health. Embrace who you are and connect with others who accept you unconditionally, such as in autistic-friendly online or in-person communities.
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Nourish Your Body and Mind:
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Sleep: Establish a regular, calming bedtime routine using sleep aids like weighted blankets or lavender spray if needed.
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Diet: Use a structured meal plan or reminders if you struggle to recognise hunger or thirst cues.
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Movement: Find enjoyable physical activities like walking in nature, swimming, or yoga to manage stress and anxiety.
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Seek Professional Support: Don't hesitate to seek help from therapists or counsellors experienced in working with autistic individuals. They can provide tools for managing anxiety, depression, and communication challenges using approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
