Autistic Adults: First Steps After an Online Test Score
Receiving a high score on an online autistic test can feel like finding a missing piece of a puzzle you didn't even know you were solving. It can bring a wave of relief, a surge of confusion, and a quiet sense of validation all at once. If you're an adult standing at this new threshold of self-understanding, you might be asking yourself, what are the next steps after realizing I might be autistic? This guide offers compassionate, practical first steps to help you navigate this journey from self-discovery to empowered action. Your path of exploration is uniquely yours, and the goal is to walk it with clarity and self-compassion.
Taking a preliminary screening is often the first step. If you're looking for a starting point, you can explore our screener and begin to understand your own traits in a private, supportive space.
Processing Your Online Autistic Test Score & Emotions
Seeing your results can feel intense. Whether you pursued a test out of curiosity or a lifetime of feeling "different," the outcome marks a significant point in your life. Take this time for gentle processing; immediate answers aren't necessary. Acknowledge the complexity of your feelings without judgment.
Validating Your Feelings After Self-Realization
For many adults, a high score on an autism screener is profoundly validating. It can feel like receiving an explanation for lifelong experiences—from social difficulties and sensory sensitivities to intense, focused interests. This new lens can reframe past struggles not as personal failings, but as characteristics of a different neurotype.
It's completely normal to look back on your life and see moments click into place. You might recognize patterns of "masking" or "stimming" that you never had a name for before. Allow yourself to feel the relief that comes with this newfound understanding. This is your experience, and your feelings about it are valid and important.
Navigating Relief, Confusion, and Identity Shifts
Relief is often followed by a mix of other emotions. You might feel grief for the past and the challenges you faced without knowing why. You may feel confused about what this means for your future or anxious about how others will perceive you. This is all part of the process of an identity shift.
Give yourself permission to sit with these feelings. There's no right or wrong way to react. This isn't about labeling yourself with a disorder. Instead, it's about gaining a more accurate, compassionate understanding of who you are. The journey of integrating this new aspect of your identity takes time.
Considering a Formal Autism Diagnosis: Pros & Cons
An online screening tool is an excellent first step for self-exploration, but it is not a clinical diagnosis. This leads many to the question of whether to seek a professional assessment. The decision is personal and depends entirely on your individual needs and circumstances. There are valid reasons to pursue a formal diagnosis, and equally valid reasons not to.
The Adult Autism Diagnosis Process Explained
Seeking a formal diagnosis as an adult typically involves finding a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in adult autism assessments. The process often includes detailed interviews about your developmental history, social and communication patterns, sensory experiences, and repetitive behaviors. You may be asked to complete questionnaires and participate in observational assessments.
It can be a lengthy and sometimes expensive process, so it's wise to research providers in your area and understand what the evaluation entails. Being prepared with personal notes about your experiences can be incredibly helpful.
Benefits and Challenges of Professional Confirmation
A formal diagnosis can offer several benefits. It can provide access to workplace or educational accommodations, offer legal protections, and give you a definitive answer that can be shared with healthcare providers. For some, the external validation from a professional is a crucial step in accepting their autistic identity.
However, there are also challenges. The cost can be a significant barrier, and waitlists are often long. Furthermore, some individuals worry about potential stigma or discrimination. Many autistic adults find that self-realization, supported by community connection and personal research, is enough for them to live an authentic, empowered life without a formal piece of paper. The choice is entirely up to you.
Finding Your Autistic Adult Support Network
You are not alone on this journey. One of the most powerful steps you can take is to connect with the autistic community. Finding others who share similar experiences can be incredibly affirming and reduce feelings of isolation. This is a crucial part of autistic adult support.
Online Communities vs. Local Support Groups for Autistic Individuals
The digital age has made it easier than ever to find your people. Online communities, such as forums, social media groups, and Discord servers dedicated to autistic adults, offer accessible spaces to share experiences and ask questions. These platforms are often available 24/7, providing immediate connection.
Local support groups, if available in your area, offer the benefit of in-person connection. These meetings can help build deeper friendships and a tangible sense of autistic community. Explore both options to see what feels most comfortable and supportive for you.
Connecting with Other Neurodivergent Adults
Your support network doesn't have to be limited to only autistic individuals. The broader neurodivergent community—including people with ADHD, dyslexia, and other variations in brain function—can also be a source of immense understanding and solidarity. Recognizing yourself as part of the wider neurodiversity movement can be a powerful and affirming experience.
Self-Advocacy and Navigating Disclosure
Understanding yourself better is the first step; learning to advocate for your needs is the next. Self-advocacy is about effectively communicating your needs, boundaries, and preferences to others in both your personal and professional life.
Deciding Who to Tell and How to Communicate Your Needs
Deciding who to tell about your potential autism is a personal choice. You are not obligated to disclose to anyone. Consider who in your life is supportive and open-minded. When you do decide to share, it can be helpful to prepare what you want to say.
You might explain it as, "I've recently discovered that my brain works a bit differently, and I identify as autistic. This helps explain my sensory sensitivities and need for alone time." Focusing on specific needs rather than abstract labels can make the conversation more productive.
Advocating for Yourself in Personal and Professional Life
Self-advocacy in action means asking for what you need to thrive. In your personal life, this could mean setting boundaries around social events that drain your energy. At work, it might involve asking for accommodations like noise-canceling headphones, written instructions instead of verbal ones, or permission to work from home on certain days. Understanding your needs is the first step to confidently asking for them.
Embracing Your Autistic Identity: Strengths & Self-Care
Discovering you are autistic is not about finding something "wrong" with you. It's about uncovering a core part of your identity that comes with a unique set of strengths and perspectives. Embracing this identity involves celebrating these strengths and developing self-care routines that honor your neurotype.
Understanding and Celebrating Autistic Strengths
The autistic brain is associated with many incredible strengths. These can include a strong sense of justice, deep focus and expertise in areas of interest (often called "special interests"), exceptional pattern recognition, creativity, and unwavering loyalty.
Instead of focusing on the challenges, take time to identify and celebrate your autistic strengths. How has your unique way of thinking benefited you? What passions has it allowed you to pursue? Reframing your perspective is a powerful act of self-acceptance.
Developing Self-Care Routines for Autistic Well-being
Effective self-care for autistic adults often looks different from neurotypical self-care. It centers on managing sensory input and preventing burnout. This might include scheduling regular downtime to decompress after social activities, creating a sensory-friendly home environment, or engaging in stimming (repetitive movements or sounds) to self-regulate. Listening to your body and respecting your energy limits is the ultimate form of self-care.
Disclaimer: Please remember that our online screening tool offers a preliminary screening tool for informational and self-exploration purposes only. The results do not constitute a medical diagnosis. For a formal diagnosis, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Empowering Your Journey: Next Steps After Your Autistic Test
Your journey after taking an online autistic test is just beginning. This is a path of profound self-discovery, compassion, and empowerment. By processing your emotions, considering your options for diagnosis, finding community, and learning to advocate for your needs, you are taking control of your narrative.
Embrace this new understanding with curiosity and kindness. You have a unique and valuable perspective to offer the world. If you are ready to take the first step or wish to revisit your results with our advanced AI-powered report, we invite you to start your journey on our homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions After Your Autistic Test
What should I do immediately after getting a high score on an online autistic test?
First, take a deep breath. Allow yourself time to process the information without pressure. You can explore resources from autistic creators, join online communities to hear from others with similar experiences, and begin learning more about what being autistic as an adult means.
Is our online assessment a formal diagnosis?
No, it is not. Our assessment is a screening tool designed to help you explore autistic traits based on established questionnaires. It provides a starting point for self-discovery but cannot replace a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified professional. You can take the first step on our website to explore these traits.
What are common next steps after realizing you might be autistic as an adult?
Common next steps include seeking community support, learning about autistic experiences from autistic voices, considering whether a formal diagnosis would be beneficial for you, and developing self-care routines that honor your sensory and social needs.
Can I be autistic and also have other co-occurring conditions like ADHD?
Yes, absolutely. It is very common for autistic individuals to have co-occurring conditions, with ADHD being one of the most frequent. This overlap is an important area of neurodiversity to explore, as managing both requires integrated strategies.
Where can I find reputable support groups or communities for newly identified autistic adults?
Reputable communities can often be found through organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) or by searching for adult-focused autism groups on social media platforms. Look for groups that are moderated by and centered on the voices of autistic people themselves. Your journey is valid, and the free autistic test can be a helpful starting point.