Understanding Autism

Written By Sarah Tumbers

Autism is a form of neurodivergence that influences how someone communicates, processes information, engages in relationships, and experiences the sensory world. It is commonly referred to as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) by neurodiversity advocates to emphasize that it is not something broken or disordered, but part of human diversity.

 
 

The Basics

Autism is lifelong and may be present in many forms, with each autistic person having their own strengths, preferences, needs, and ways of navigating life.

Common experiences can include:

  • A preference for routine and predictability

  • A different way of understanding and expressing social communication

  • Intense focus on specific interests

  • Sensory differences (e.g., heightened or reduced sensitivity to light, sound, texture)

It’s important to remember that autism is not always immediately visible and doesn’t look the same in everyone.

How Autism Shows Up in Adults

Many autistic adults go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. This is often due to stereotypes that focus on childhood presentations or outward “behaviours.”

For adults, especially those who have learned to mask or adapt their differences, autism may show up as:

  • Needing extra recovery time after socializing

  • Feeling misunderstood in social or workplace environments

  • Having deep, sustaining interests that bring joy and meaning

  • Navigating sensory environments that may feel overwhelming or distracting

  • Using scripts or mental rehearsals to manage interactions

For many, receiving an autism diagnosis or self-identifying as autistic in adulthood can be empowering and validating. It provides a framework for self-understanding, not a label of limitation.

Differences Between Autistic Women, Men, and Gender-Diverse People

Historically, autism has been studied and diagnosed more often in males, leading to a limited view of how it presents in other genders. Autistic women, girls, and gender-diverse people may experience and express their neurodivergence differently.

For example:

  • Camouflaging: Intentionally or unconsciously masking autistic traits to blend in, which can be exhausting and lead to mental health struggles.

  • Social mimicry: Copying social behaviours without intuitive understanding, which may delay recognition of support needs.

  • Internalized stress: Autistic burnout, anxiety, depression, and other forms of distress are common in those whose needs have gone unsupported for years.

These experiences have contributed to delayed diagnoses, especially for those assigned female at birth or from marginalized gender groups. A neurodiversity-affirming approach seeks to understand and support all expressions of autism without relying on outdated gender stereotypes.

Challenges in a Neurotypical World

Autistic people don’t inherently struggle — but many face challenges due to environments, systems, and expectations not designed with neurodivergent minds in mind.

Some of these include:

  • Workplace inaccessibility: Rigid schedules, sensory-unfriendly settings, and unclear communication can create barriers.

  • Mental health misunderstandings: Autistic experiences are often misinterpreted as signs of personality flaws or emotional issues.

  • Social expectations: Navigating relationships and unwritten social norms can be taxing and isolating.

  • Systemic gaps: Limited availability of adult-specific autism services can hinder access to necessary support.

Strengths and Joys of Autistic People

Autistic people bring incredible strengths and insights into the world.

These are often overlooked, but should be celebrated and supported:

  • Honesty and integrity: A strong sense of fairness, justice, and authenticity.

  • Detail-oriented focus: An ability to notice patterns and details that others might overlook.

  • Innovative Thinking: Approaching problems from unique perspectives, leading to creative solutions.

  • Passion and dedication: Strong enthusiasm for topics or causes that matter deeply

  • Deep empathy: Contrary to myths, many autistic people feel deeply and care intensely, especially when supported to connect in their own way.

Autism is a valid and valuable part of human diversity. Understanding how it presents in adulthood — across all genders — is essential to creating affirming spaces where neurodivergent people are supported, not pathologized. Whether you're seeking assessment, exploring identity, or looking for community, you're not alone. There are resources and allies here in Toowoomba ready to walk alongside you.


Helpful Resources

If you or someone you care about identifies as autistic, or is exploring this possibility, here are some neurodiversity-affirming local supports:

  • Autism Queensland – Toowoomba Services
    Offers therapy, employment support, and community connections: autismqld.com.au

  • AEIOU Foundation – Toowoomba
    Early learning centres for young autistic children with an emphasis on strengths-based learning: aeiou.org.au

  • Making Connections Toowoomba
    Delivers social-emotional learning groups, individual support, and inclusive community workshops: makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au

  • NDIS and Local Area Coordination (LAC)
    Support for accessing funding and finding neurodiversity-affirming providers in the region.

  • Online Communities and Resources

References

  • Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., Allison, C., Smith, P., Baron-Cohen, S., Lai, M.-C., & Mandy, W. (2017). "Putting on My Best Normal": Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(8), 2519–2534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3166-5

  • Lai, M.-C., Lombardo, M. V., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2014). Autism. The Lancet, 383(9920), 896–910. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61539-1

  • Milton, D. E. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: The ‘double empathy problem’. Disability & Society, 27(6), 883–887. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2012.710008

  • Botha, M., & Frost, D. M. (2020). Extending the minority stress model to understand mental health problems experienced by autistic people. Society and Mental Health, 10(1), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156869318804297

  • Kapp, S. K., Gillespie-Lynch, K., Sherman, L. E., & Hutman, T. (2013). Deficit, difference, or both? Autism and neurodiversity. Developmental Psychology, 49(1), 59–71. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028353

Sarah Tumbers
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