Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people experience social interaction, communication, interests, and sensory input. Autism is not an illness as such—it’s a different way of experiencing and processing the world. For some people this neurodiversity can cause many life challenges and be associated with significant disability. But ASD exists on a spectrum, and many people with ASD will experience few problems with day to day functioning, but might struggle in some specific life domains (e.g., romantic relationships). It is thought that neurodiversity can also potentially convey strengths and unique abilities to some who have ASD.
“I always felt out of sync with other people. Understanding I was autistic gave me language for who I’ve always been.”
Autism or ASD is often diagnosed in childhood but can be missed some people go undiagnosed well into adulthood. This is especially the case for women/girls, people of colour, and those without obvious speech or learning difficulties. Many learn to “mask” their differences for years, leading to stress, burnout, and misdiagnoses such as anxiety, depression, or personality disorder.
Autistic adults may experience social fatigue, a need for routine, deep focus on particular interests, or strong sensory sensitivities. Some struggle with emotional regulation or communication, while others appear outwardly high-functioning but feel internally overwhelmed. Diagnosis in adulthood can bring both relief and grief—making sense of past struggles and offering new ways to live authentically.
“Supporting autistic adults is deeply affirming. Once the right support is in place, people can begin to thrive on their own terms.”
Diagnosing ASD requires specific clinical training and a detailed, robust approach. At Bloomfield Health, we offer comprehensive autism assessments for adults, including a detailed developmental history, use of structured diagnostic tools, and time to explore lived experience. For those already diagnosed, we offer post-diagnostic support, psychoeducation, and tailored psychological therapies for co-occurring challenges. We work neuro-affirmatively, celebrating difference rather than framing autism as a problem to be fixed. Our goal is to help you understand yourself better, reduce distress, and find environments and relationships that work for you.
Yes. Many autistic adults have average or above-average intelligence and go undiagnosed for years.
Up until recently yes. But many adults—especially women and non-binary people—are diagnosed later in life after years of “masking”.
Masking is hiding or suppressing autistic traits to fit in socially. It can lead to burnout and mental health difficulties.
We use structured questionnaires and clinical interviews alongside a developmental history and clinical interview, all conducted sensitively
No—and there shouldn’t be. Autism is a neurotype, not a disease. Support focuses on improving wellbeing and reducing distress.
Yes. We provide psychoeducation, support for co-occurring conditions, and therapy adapted to autistic communication styles.
Yes—especially for managing anxiety, burnout, or relationship issues. We offer neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
For many, it’s life-changing. It can bring self-understanding, access to adjustments, and permission to stop masking.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
