Clear Psychiatry

What is autism? Symptoms, masking, and how to know if you're autistic

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Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, process information, and experience the world. This guide explores common autistic traits in children and adults, how masking works, and how to recognise signs of autism in yourself or someone you love.

Autism can look different in different people.

While experts look for core characteristics, signs can show up in individual ways. Some people also learn to "mask" their autism - consciously or unconsciously - to fit in with others. Masking can make autism harder to spot and lead to exhaustion or mental health difficulties over time. 

This is one reason why autism is often missed in childhood, especially in girls.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong form of neurodivergence that affects how you communicate, process information, and understand others.

It can also impact how you respond to sensory input, like lights, sounds, taste, smells, and touch.

To make a diagnosis, clinicians look for persistent deficits in social communication/interaction AND restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.

Common autism traits

While everyone is different, autism often involves differences in:

Communication - Understanding tone, facial expressions, or social cues can feel confusing or draining. Some people use fewer words, speak in a different tone, or prefer written communication.

Behaviours and interests - Repetitive actions, strong routines, or focused interests can help create a sense of calm and predictability.

Sensory processing - Some people are highly sensitive to noise, touch, smells, tastes, or bright lights. Others may not notice hunger, temperature, or pain until it becomes intense.

Two people engaged in attentive conversation over coffee at a café table, natural window light creating warm atmosphere

Signs you might be autistic

Here are a few real‑life examples that people often recognise in themselves or someone they love:

  • Needing routine and becoming distressed by unexpected changes
  • Feeling overwhelmed in noisy or busy places
  • Having a deep interest that brings comfort or focus
  • Finding social situations confusing, tiring, or unpredictable
  • Taking things literally or missing sarcasm
  • Feeling “different” without knowing why
  • Experiencing burnout from masking or trying to keep up with expectations

Both children and adults can experience the above, though adults may have learned to hide or compensate for them.

If some of this seems familiar, you’re not alone. Many people reach this point after years of feeling misunderstood or exhausted.

(Top L-R) Dr Faheem Naqvi, Dr Francesca Ulett, and clinical nurse specialist Holly Ilginnis; (bottom L-R) Dr Pablo Perez, operations director Jessica Jones, and clinical nurse specialist Aniqah Shah, of Clear Psychiatry.
(Top L-R) Dr Faheem Naqvi, Dr Francesca Ulett, and clinical nurse specialist Holly Ilginnis; (bottom L-R) Dr Pablo Perez, operations director Jessica Jones, and clinical nurse specialist Aniqah Shah, of Clear Psychiatry.

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