If you’re wondering whether Autism or ADHD could be part of your story, you’re not alone. Many women go undiagnosed until adulthood because their traits were misunderstood, masked, or overlooked in childhood. At Glow State Psychology, we offer Autism assessments for women in Geelong, providing a supportive, validating process to help you gain clarity and self-understanding.
With a background in working with children, families, and educators, I take a developmental approach to assessments, recognising how neurodivergence presents across different life stages. Since an adult diagnosis requires evidence of developmental differences in childhood, my experience working with children makes me particularly skilled in assessing Autism and ADHD in adulthood.
I take a flexible, person-centered approach, adapting assessments to your needs—whether that means adjusting the pace, incorporating movement breaks, or using accessible language. I also consider the environmental stressors and workplace accommodations that could support your daily functioning, learning, and mental health.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, professional, and affirming Autism assessment for women in Geelong, I’d love to help. My goal is to provide a process that feels thorough, supportive, and empowering, so you can better understand yourself and access the support you deserve.
Recognising Autism in Women
Autism presents uniquely in every individual, and many Autistic women and nonbinary people develop strong masking skills—consciously or unconsciously adapting to neurotypical social expectations. As a result, Autism in women is often overlooked or misinterpreted, especially in childhood. Some traits are more outwardly visible, leading to earlier identification, while others are more subtle and may not be recognised until adulthood.
More Noticeable Autistic Traits
Individuals whose traits were recognised earlier in life may relate to the following:
Expressive communication differences—Gestures, facial expressions, and body language may not always align with neurotypical social norms, sometimes leading to misunderstandings.
Distinct social preferences—Might feel less drawn to socializing for its own sake and prefer deep, interest-based connections rather than small talk or casual friendships.
Strong, knowledge-driven interests—Highly engaged in topics of personal importance. Interests may be technical, fact-based, or systems-focused.
Predictability and routine—Following set routines and engaging in repetitive movements or rituals can bring comfort and support regulation.
Sensory sensitivities—Strong responses to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory inputs may influence daily experiences.
Authentic emotional expression—Reactions to frustration or overwhelm may be open and visible, sometimes leading to intense responses.
Recognised differences in childhood—Educators or caregivers may have noticed unique social, sensory, or communication traits, leading to earlier assessments.
Less Noticeable Autistic Traits
For many women, Autism was not recognised in childhood because their traits were more subtle, internalised, or actively masked. These individuals may relate to:
Social camouflage and learned behaviors—Gestures and social norms may appear neurotypical but have been carefully observed and copied in other girls and women.
Selective social engagement—May deeply value friendships but feel exhausted by social interactions, particularly if navigating group dynamics.
Curiosity about human behavior—Rather than a technical focus, interests may revolve around understanding people and psychology, sometimes leading to an intense focus on social rules.
Vivid imagination and rich inner world—Engaging in storytelling, role-play, or elaborate fantasy worlds as a way of processing emotions and making sense of social interactions.
Emotional depth and regulation strategies—May experience strong emotions internally, with responses such as withdrawal, selective mutism, or exhaustion rather than visible distress.
Strong connections with a few people—Rather than broad social networks, relationships may be deep, meaningful, and intense.
Late identification or misdiagnosis—Because these traits may not be as outwardly visible, individuals may be misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions before recognising their neurodivergence.
If you recognise yourself in either or both categories, an Autism assessment could provide meaningful insights and self-understanding. Many women spend years feeling different without knowing why—seeking an assessment can be the first step toward embracing your authentic self and accessing the support that fits your needs.