Adult Autism Diagnosis: Signs You Might Be Autistic and What the Process Involves

Could you be autistic and not know it? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by clinical psychologist and autism specialist Dr Katie Adolphus to unpack what adult autism diagnosis really involves. They explore the signs that may be missed in childhood, why women and marginalised groups often go undiagnosed, and what the formal assessment process looks like. You’ll also hear about sensory sensitivities, emotional overwhelm, autistic identity, and how to seek support post-diagnosis. Whether you're an aspiring psychologist, a clinician supporting clients, or exploring your own neurodivergent identity this episode is packed with insight, compassion, and clarity. Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr Katie Adolphus 02:35 – Why some autistic people go undiagnosed in childhood 05:15 – Stereotypes and barriers in accessing diagnosis as an adult 08:58 – How autism traits may show up differently in women and marginalised groups 11:40 – The emotional process of realising you might be autistic 13:50 – What a formal diagnostic assessment for autism involves 17:22 – The difference between self-diagnosis and formal diagnosis 20:10 – Dr Adolphus’s own experiences with autistic identity 24:35 – How sensory sensitivities can manifest in adulthood 28:10 – Intersectionality: autism and other neurodivergent conditions 31:42 – Workplace challenges and late-diagnosed adults 35:15 – What happens after an autism diagnosis 38:25 – Misconceptions about autism and ‘functioning labels’ 41:10 – How allies, friends, and clinicians can offer better support 44:45 – Final reflections and how to follow Dr Katie Adolphus Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Katie Adolphus here: http://theadolphuspractice.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/theadolphuspractice 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses ✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. If you'd like to learn how to record and submit your own audio testimonial to be included in future shows head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/podcast and click the blue request info button at the top of the page. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp Tap to Pay This episode is sponsored by WriteUpp. Their Tap to Pay app turns your smartphone into a card reader, helping private practitioners take secure payments without additional hardware. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336