Adult Autism Assessments in Adelaide: Common Myths & What Really Happens

Many adults begin to wonder about autism later in life. This can happen after learning more about neurodiversity, recognising lifelong patterns, or seeing similarities between themselves and an autistic child, partner, or friend.

If you’re considering an adult autism assessment, you may also be carrying uncertainty, hesitation, or misinformation. Unfortunately, myths about autism (and about assessment itself) can make the process feel overwhelming or intimidating.

This guide gently unpacks common myths and explains what really happens during an adult autism assessment at Nurture Allied Health.

Why Adults Seek Autism Assessments

Adults pursue autism assessments for many different reasons. There is no “right” or “wrong” motivation.

Some people seek assessment to:

• Better understand themselves and their life experiences

• Make sense of long-standing challenges with communication, sensory processing, or burnout

• Access appropriate supports, accommodations, or funding

• Reduce self-blame and build self-acceptance

• Feel validated after years of masking or being misunderstood

An assessment is not about labelling, it’s about understanding.

Common Myths About Adult Autism Assessments

Myth 1: “If I’ve coped this long, I can’t be autistic”

Many autistic adults have spent years masking, adapting, or pushing through challenges without support. Coping does not mean thriving.

Autistic people often develop strategies to survive environments that weren’t designed for them. This can come at the cost of exhaustion, anxiety, or burnout. Late identification is common, especially for women, gender-diverse people, and those who did well academically.

Myth 2: “Autism always looks obvious”

Autism presents differently in every individual. There is no single “look” or personality type.

Some autistic adults:

• Are highly verbal

• Maintain employment or relationships

• Appear socially confident

• Mask traits in public settings

Autism is about how someone experiences and processes the world, not how noticeable it is to others.

Myth 3: “An assessment is like a test you can pass or fail”

An adult autism assessment is not an exam. There are no right or wrong answers.

The goal is to understand your developmental history, lived experiences, strengths, and support needs, not to judge or catch you out.

Myth 4: “Getting a diagnosis will change who I am”

A diagnosis doesn’t change who you are. Many adults describe it as a moment of clarity rather than a turning point.

For some, it brings relief, self-compassion, and language to explain experiences they’ve always had.

What Really Happens in an Adult Autism Assessment

While every service may approach assessment slightly differently, adult autism assessments involve:

A Detailed History

You’ll be asked about your early development, communication, sensory experiences, learning, relationships, and daily life. This may include childhood information where available, but lack of records does not automatically prevent assessment.

Conversations, Not Interrogations

Assessments are typically discussion-based and collaborative. Clinicians aim to understand how you experience the world, not how well you perform socially in the room.

Consideration of Strengths and Support Needs

A neuro-affirming assessment recognises strengths alongside challenges. It focuses on understanding support needs, not deficits.

A Respectful, Individualised Process

The process should move at a pace that feels manageable, with breaks, clear explanations, and opportunities to ask questions.

After the Assessment

After an assessment, you may receive:

• Clear feedback about whether you meet the criteria for autism

• A written report outlining your profile, strengths, and support considerations

• Recommendations tailored to your goals and needs

Some people choose to share their diagnosis widely. Others keep it private. Both choices are valid.

A Neuro-Affirming Perspective

At Nurture Allied Health SA, autism is understood as a natural form of neurodiversity, not something to be fixed or cured.

A neuro-affirming assessment:

• Presumes competence

• Respects lived experience

• Avoids compliance-based expectations

• Centre's identity, autonomy, and dignity

The aim is understanding, not normalisation.

Adult Autism Assessments at Nurture Allied Health SA

At Nurture Allied Health SA, adult autism assessments are offered through a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach that centres lived experience, dignity, and understanding.

Assessments are conducted by Nurture’s autistic founder, who received her own autism diagnosis in adulthood. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, the assessment process is designed to feel respectful, collaborative, and supportive.

Adult autism spectrum assessments are available:

• Face-to-face at our Beulah Park and Salisbury clinics in Adelaide

• Via Telehealth for individuals living interstate (where appropriate)

We use the MIGDAS-2, a neuro-affirming diagnostic interview that prioritises the individual’s natural communication style, interests, and sensory experiences. Diagnostic decisions are guided by the DSM-5 criteria, alongside a consensus approach that includes collaboration with a registered psychologist, in line with national diagnostic guidelines.

The assessment process includes:

• Pre-appointment questionnaires to understand your experiences and needs

• A two-hour interview-based assessment, with the option to bring a support person

• Optional feedback sessions to discuss outcomes and next steps

At Nurture, an autism assessment is not about fitting you into a box. It is about gaining clarity, understanding your experiences, and supporting self-knowledge, whether that leads to a diagnosis or simply deeper insight.

If you’re considering an adult autism assessment in Adelaide and would like to learn more about suitability, process, or next steps, you’re welcome to contact our team to have a conversation first.

Get to know the Nurture team!

Thinking About an Adult Autism Assessment in Adelaide?

If you’re exploring an adult diagnostic assessment, you don’t need to have everything figured out first. Curiosity, uncertainty, and mixed emotions are all part of the process.

Reaching out for information is a valid first step. You deserve clarity, respect, and support, whatever you decide next.

Call us, refer to us, and learn more about fees, funding, and rebates.