What it’s like to receive an autism diagnosis result?

Tom Denham recently confirmed he is on the autism spectrum, a realisation shared by many who receive their diagnosis later in life.

In this five-part series, The Briefing collaborates with Autism Awareness Australia and Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre to follow Tom as he explores the autism spectrum and seeks to understand where he fits.

In Part Four, Tom receives his diagnosis at Professor Adam Guastella’s clinic, where the assessment reveals he meets the criteria for the autism spectrum.

“I think there were definitely signs that aligned with neurodiversity, but I didn’t want to go around saying I’m on the autism spectrum without really knowing for sure,” Denham said.

He added that the diagnosis has brought “some sort of closure” to him.

“Now that I know, it gives me a bit of a blueprint to work on things and function better as a person,” he said.

Professor Guastella explained the challenges of diagnosing autism in adults, noting that many develop strategies to adapt and mask symptoms, making assessments more complex.

He highlighted that the research assessment used to diagnose autism is a standardised tool designed to ensure consistency across countries, including Australia, the US, and others.

The assessment involves a scripted interview to identify specific responses and provides a score indicating autism spectrum traits.

“Adults often report how much effort it takes to meet the demands of their environment, even if they appear to function well externally,” Guastella said.

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