How to Talk to Your Doctor About Possible Adult Autism

By Your Health Magazine

Talking to your doctor about the possibility of adult autism is a mammoth task. Where do you start, and what should you share?

Preparation makes all the difference. A little groundwork before your visit can help ensure a productive conversation.

So, if you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few practical ways to prepare for discussing potential adult autism with your physician.

Preparing Notes and Logging Traits for Discussion

Writing down specific traits or behaviors you’ve noticed can make the conversation with your doctor more focused. Keep a simple list of recurring struggles, such as difficulties in social settings or strict routines that feel necessary to maintain comfort.

Include how these affect daily life, including work stress, challenges at home, or personal relationships. If you’re unsure about patterns, reading a guide to autism in men is a good move to identify common characteristics.

By organizing your thoughts beforehand, you provide clear examples that give your doctor valuable insight into your concerns.

Understanding Sensory Triggers in Everyday Life

Sensory triggers can offer meaningful clues about autism. Think about situations where you feel overwhelmed, such as bright lights, crowded spaces, or even certain sounds.

Write down moments when sensory experiences caused discomfort or avoidance. For instance, difficulty concentrating in noisy environments or a need for quiet to reset after social events.

These examples help your doctor understand how sensory processing affects your daily routine. Be as specific as possible with these details during your conversation, so they can evaluate whether these sensitivities align with traits commonly associated with adult autism.

Gathering Relevant Childhood History and Patterns

Reflecting on your childhood can provide important context, since around 3.2% of under-8s are estimated to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Were you more reserved, or did you struggle with change? Ask family members for their observations, especially about milestones like making friends, adapting to new routines, or emotional regulation.

If possible, collect examples of habits that carried into adulthood—such as hyperfocus on specific interests or avoiding group activities.

While you may not remember everything clearly, these patterns help your doctor see the bigger picture. Highlight any early traits that stand out, as they might connect with autism-related behaviors observed later in life.

Highlighting Examples from Work or Relationships

As mentioned, Concrete examples from your professional and personal life can clarify challenges. Have you faced difficulties in workplace communication, managing changes in routine, or interpreting social cues?

In relationships, think about recurring misunderstandings or struggles with emotional expression, even if your overarching aim has always been to find happiness. These patterns reveal how potential autism traits impact interactions.

Share specific incidents that highlight these experiences, such as conflicts arising from a need for structure at work or avoiding gatherings due to sensory discomfort. By providing clear examples, you help your doctor connect these situations to broader autism-related behaviors for a more accurate assessment.

Final Thoughts

Starting this conversation with your doctor may feel impossible at first, but preparation helps. By organizing traits, sensory triggers, and personal examples, you give clear insights into your experiences. These steps set the stage for understanding whether autism could be a factor and open the door to meaningful support tailored to your needs.