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Neurodevelopmental disorders
Autism (ASD) in adults
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a different way of processing social and sensory information. Many autistic people reach adulthood without a diagnosis because they have learned to mask their difficulties, which is especially common in women.
Common signs
- Intense tiredness after socialising
- Difficulty understanding double meanings or unspoken social rules
- Need for routines and distress at unexpected changes
- Very intense, specific interests
- Sensitivity to noise, light, textures or smells
- Having always felt different
Having some of these signs doesn't mean you have the disorder: only a professional can make a diagnosis.
Why does it happen?
It is a neurodevelopmental condition, mainly genetic in origin, present from childhood. It is not caused by parenting or vaccines.
How is it diagnosed?
The assessment includes an interview with the person and, if possible, with relatives about their development, questionnaires and standardised tests such as ADOS-2 and ADI-R, as well as differential diagnosis with ADHD, social anxiety or trauma.
Treatment
Autism is not cured because it is not an illness. Intervention focuses on self-understanding, reducing overload, adapting the environment, working on associated anxiety and building on strengths.
Want some guidance? Take the Adult autism test: free, 2-3 minutes.
We're here for you at Clínica Vivaldi
Registered psychologists at Calle Chiva 25 (Valencia) and online across Spain. First appointment with no waiting list; we work with psychiatry and nutrition when needed.
Educational content based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment. Reviewed by the Clínica Vivaldi team, November 2026.