Receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as an adult is often experienced as a turning point. For many, it finally allows them to understand difficulties that have remained unexplained for a long time and to give meaning to a journey sometimes marked by incomprehension. But as Baptiste, psychologist and neuropsychologist, explains in a video published on Instagram on June 9, 2026, this diagnosis also highlights more discreet challenges, notably anxiety and “masking”, which can weigh heavily on daily life.
“You look into your eyes“: why some diagnoses still miss autism
For a long time, certain preconceived ideas have influenced the identification of autism. Among them, the belief that an autistic person would systematically avoid eye contact. Result: many adults, and particularly women, have seen their difficulties minimized or misinterpreted.
“But ma’am, you look in the eyes let’s see“: this remark, reported by many people concerned, illustrates the extent to which certain criteria can be reductive. Today, specialists point out that autism manifests itself in very diverse ways. Some people learn to adopt socially expected behaviors, which can make the diagnosis more complex and explain why it sometimes occurs late.
The relief of the diagnosis… then the emergence of long-invisible difficulties
“First, there is often this calming feeling, the feeling of finally putting into words what we have been through. But this relief only lasts for a while”explains Baptiste.
Indeed, once the diagnosis has been made, many people realize that certain associated difficulties had been present for a long time. This is particularly the case for anxiety, which is particularly common among autistic adults. According to several scientific studies, they have a significantly higher risk of developing anxiety disorders than the general population.
This anxiety is not always independent of autism. It can be fueled by years of trying to adapt to demanding social environments, sometimes at the cost of great emotional fatigue.
“Masking”, this coping mechanism that can exhaust
One of the key notions put forward by specialists is that of “masking”, or social camouflage. It is the act of consciously or unconsciously adopting behaviors intended to correspond to social expectations, even when they do not actually reflect how the person feels.
Over time, this mechanism can become extremely psychologically costly. Many describe a feeling of constantly playing a role, in order to appear “like everyone else”. According to Baptiste, anxiety is sometimes seen as a separate disorder to be treated separately, when it can be directly linked to these constant coping efforts.
Better understanding the link between autism, anxiety and masking allows us to consider more appropriate support. The goal is not only to reduce anxiety symptoms, but also to help the person know themselves better, respect their needs and, gradually, no longer have to wear a mask all the time. An approach that can help to find more serenity and quality of life.