Understanding Adult Autism: Masking, Burnout, and Missed Diagnoses

LifeStance Psychologist Dr. Audrey Oliva explores what psychological assessment for adult autism really involves—and why so many adults are missed earlier in life.   We discuss the full evaluation process, from the initial intake to in‑depth testing, behavioral observation, and comprehensive feedback. The conversation unpacks key concepts like masking, twice exceptionality, and autistic burnout, and explains how high intelligence, long‑term coping strategies, or overlapping conditions like trauma, ADHD, or OCD can complicate diagnosis.  We also discuss common concerns adults have about “masking too well” during evaluations, the emotional and cognitive demands of testing, and why including lived experience—and sometimes family perspective—matters so much.