Could I Really Be Autistic?

Perhaps a child in your family has been diagnosed as autistic, your therapist has suggested it, or people you know have called you ’Rain Man’ throughout your life. Whatever the reason, here you are, either seeking to confirm or dispel the idea that you might be autistic.

Written by two experts in autism assessment, this is a pathway for you to explore the likelihood of meeting the diagnostic threshold for autism, while offering advice on possible next steps.

With guidance on ways autism can manifest in day-to-day life, factors that prompt people to wrongly dismiss the label (I’m too old/clever/social/ married!), commonly co-occurring conditions, and alternative explanations for autistic traits - this will help you decide whether a professional assessment is appropriate, and give you the best chance of an accurate outcome should you seek one.
Filling the gap between self-identification and formal diagnosis, this rigorous, accessible guide to diagnosis will give you confidence in taking the next steps on your autism journey.

Sarah Hendrickx is an autistic six-time JKP author, including Women and Girls on the Autistic Spectrum (2nd edition, publication date January 2024). She has worked as an autism diagnostician (non-clinically trained) for the past 15 years assessing more than 1000+ children and adults both independently and as an associate diagnostician for Axia-ASD. Sarah has developed and delivered training for diagnosticians working for the NHS and privately as well as coaching individuals pre- and post-diagnosis.

Jess Hendrickx is an autistic author, non-clinical diagnostician, trainer and mentor. She has a PGCE in Autism. Jess has worked as an neurodiversity diagnostician for the past two years both with Axia-ASD and privately. Within her work as a mentor, Jess has guided people to make an informed decision on whether or not to pursue an autism assessment, as well as providing post-diagnosis support, Jess is Sarah’s daughter.