Are Adults with a Late Autism Diagnosis at a Higher Risk of Anxiety?

PostedNovember 7, 2025

UpdatedNovember 7, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Anxiety after late autism diagnoses is due to the emotional burden that comes with understanding the individual’s struggles only later in life. This delayed diagnosis can bring a wave of relief, but it also increases the mental health risk as individuals grapple with understanding their identity and how it fits into their past experiences. Without earlier support, the challenges of navigating adulthood with autism can significantly affect mental health, including a heightened vulnerability to anxiety.

The adult symptoms of autism, such as social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and rigid thinking patterns, often go unnoticed until later in life. Once diagnosed, many adults reflect on the years spent without support, which can lead to feelings of frustration, regret, and heightened anxiety. The burden of trying to adapt without understanding their needs often manifests in increased stress levels, making anxiety more prevalent.

Common Symptoms and Impact on Mental Health

Here’s how anxiety after late autism diagnosis can appear in adults:

Social Anxiety:

Adults may feel overwhelmed or out of place in social settings, unsure how to interact, leading to social withdrawal and avoidance.

Increased Stress:

The reflection on missed opportunities or past struggles can cause significant stress, as adults work to process their late diagnosis and find appropriate coping mechanisms.

For managing anxiety, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help by addressing unhelpful thinking patterns and providing coping strategies to better handle stressful situations. Medication may also be recommended for those experiencing severe anxiety.

If you’re an adult with a late autism diagnosis and struggling with anxiety, seeking support is crucial.

Providers like Autism Detect offer consultations to help manage mental health and provide guidance on navigating life with autism.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to late diagnosis in adults.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.