When people think of autism, they often picture children. Yet a growing number of adults only discover later in life that autism explains the way they have experienced the world all along. That realization can feel unsettling at first, but for many people it also brings relief: finally a framework that makes sense of who they are.
Why autism in adults often goes unrecognized
Autism is not something that suddenly develops. The way a person thinks, feels and processes information has been present since birth, but it is not always picked up early on. People who have learned to adapt well to social expectations, sometimes referred to as “masking”, often blend in more easily at school or at home, so the signs are missed. Autism also tends to be recognized later in women than in men, partly because traits can show up differently.
It is often only when life becomes more demanding, for example through a new job, a relationship, parenthood or a stressful period, that someone starts to notice that the way they experience things is not the same for everyone. That is frequently the moment someone begins to wonder whether there is more going on.
Autism is a different way of experiencing the world, not something broken
At Mavera GGZ we do not approach autism as something that needs to be “fixed”. Autism means the brain processes information differently: often with sharper attention to detail, a strong need for structure, and a different style of social communication. For many people this also comes with real strengths, such as honesty, persistence, a keen eye for patterns, or deep dedication to areas of interest. At the same time, certain situations, such as a busy workplace or sudden changes, can take more energy than they would for someone else.
Common traits in adulthood
- Social communication: difficulty reading unwritten social rules, small talk, or what others mean or feel.
- Sensory sensitivity: heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, smell, touch or taste.
- Need for routine and predictability: unexpected changes can be stressful, while consistent structure brings calm.
- Intense interests: deep, focused engagement with specific topics or activities.
- Fatigue after social situations: consciously “translating” social signals often makes contact with others more tiring.
Not everyone recognizes themselves in every trait, and how much someone is affected by these differences varies widely from person to person.
Diagnosis at Mavera GGZ
A suspicion of autism in adulthood is carefully explored through conversations, questionnaires and, where needed, additional assessment, taking someone’s life history into account. Based on this, a preliminary DSM-5 classification can be made. We deliberately call it preliminary, because diagnosis is a careful process rather than a single moment of certainty.
A referral from a GP (huisarts) is always required for specialist mental healthcare. In the first conversation, we discuss together what is going on and what suitable next steps might look like.
Support: not a cure, but guidance
Autism is not an illness that can be treated away, and that is not the goal of our support. What we can offer is help with the everyday challenges someone may experience, such as:
- Building structure and predictability into daily routines.
- Developing communication strategies for work, relationships or family life.
- Managing sensory input and preventing overload.
- Recognizing and expressing personal needs and boundaries.
Autism is also frequently accompanied by other concerns, such as low mood, anxiety, or stress from prolonged overstimulation. At Mavera GGZ we address these using evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ACT or EMDR, depending on what fits best. In some cases, supportive pharmacotherapy is considered in consultation with a psychiatrist. For partners and family members, relationship and family therapy can help improve mutual understanding.
Autism and work
Work is a significant theme for many autistic adults. A sensory-rich workplace, unclear expectations, or a lot of social interaction can take considerable energy. In our conversations we focus on what someone needs to function with more balance, for example clear agreements, adjustments to the work environment, or learning to communicate boundaries to an employer.
Multilingual support
Accurate, nuanced communication matters when exploring a possible autism diagnosis, since subtle details in how someone expresses themselves can carry real meaning. Mavera GGZ offers support in Dutch, Turkish, English, Ukrainian, Polish, Uyghur and Arabic, so clients can express themselves in their own language throughout this process.
Looking for support?
If you recognize yourself in this description and wonder whether further assessment could help, start by talking to your GP (huisarts). With a suspicion of autism, your GP can refer you to specialist mental healthcare. Mavera GGZ B.V. is located at Rozenlaan 115, 3051 LP Rotterdam, and can be reached at 010 – 254 38 96 or info@maveraggz.nl.
In a crisis situation, Mavera GGZ is not the right place for immediate help: please call 112 (in the Netherlands) or go to A&E.
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