We understand that waiting for an assessment outcome can be emotional, and that you may have spent a long time considering whether autism could explain your experiences.

Following your assessment, if the clinical opinion is that you do not meet the criteria for Autism under the current diagnostic guidelines (ICD-11) this means that, based on the information available during your assessment, there was not enough evidence across all areas required for an autism diagnosis.

We appreciate that this may not be the outcome you were expecting, and for some people this news can be difficult to process. 

If You're Feeling Disappointed

It is completely normal to experience a range of emotions after receiving a non-diagnostic outcome.

You might feel:

• Disappointed
• Upset
• Confused
• Frustrated
• Angry
• Relieved
• Unsure what to think next

Many people come to assessment after spending years researching autism, relating strongly to autistic experiences, or being told by friends, family members, professionals, or online communities that they may be autistic.

Some people also score highly on screening questionnaires such as the AQ10, which can make a diagnosis feel almost certain.

If you are feeling disappointed or confused, please know that these feelings are understandable and valid.

Why Might Someone Not Receive an Autism Diagnosis?

There are many reasons why someone may not meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Criteria Are Very Specific

In the UK, clinicians use the ICD-11 criteria when assessing autism.

These criteria set out specific characteristics that must be present for a diagnosis to be given. A person needs to meet all of the required areas, not just some of them.

This means that someone can have autistic traits, relate strongly to autistic experiences, or face difficulties commonly associated with autism without meeting the full criteria for a diagnosis.

It Can Be Difficult to Gather Information About Childhood

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means that characteristics are expected to have been present from early childhood.

Sometimes there is not enough information available about a person's early development for clinicians to be confident that the criteria have been met.

Other Explanations May Fit Better

Sometimes a person's experiences may be better explained by factors such as:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• OCD
• Other mental health conditions
• Personality and life experiences

These experiences can have a significant impact on daily life and can share similarities with autism.

What About Masking?

Many people worry that they may not have received a diagnosis because they have become very good at hiding their difficulties.

We recognise that masking is real and can be exhausting.

Our clinicians actively consider masking during assessment and take this into account when reaching diagnostic decisions.

Similarly, age is never a barrier to diagnosis. Autism can be identified at any stage of life, including later adulthood.

What If I Scored Highly on the AQ10?

It is possible to score highly on the AQ10 questionnaire and still not receive an autism diagnosis.

The AQ10 is a screening tool designed to identify whether a full assessment is appropriate. It is not designed to diagnose autism.

A high score suggests that someone experiences a number of characteristics associated with autism, but those characteristics can sometimes be explained by other factors as well.

What Does This Outcome Mean?

A non-diagnostic outcome does not mean that:

• Your experiences are not real.
• Your difficulties are not important.
• You do not need support.
• You have not faced genuine challenges.
• Seeking an assessment was a waste of time.

Your experiences and difficulties remain valid regardless of whether you received a diagnosis.

Many people experience challenges with communication, relationships, sensory sensitivities, organisation, emotional regulation, or anxiety without meeting the criteria for autism.

Those challenges deserve understanding and support.

If You Identify Strongly with Autism

Some people continue to find the autistic framework helpful even after receiving a non-diagnostic outcome.

If you have found comfort, understanding, or community through learning about autism, it is understandable that this may still feel meaningful to you.

Many of the strategies, resources, and support approaches developed for autistic people can still be helpful, regardless of whether you have a formal diagnosis.

Remember: You Are Still the Same Person

For some people, a diagnosis can become an important part of how they understand themselves.

When a diagnosis is not given, it can briefly feel as though something has changed.

However, the qualities that make you who you are, have not changed.

Your strengths, personality, interests, relationships, experiences, and achievements are exactly the same as they were before your assessment.

The outcome does not define you.

Support Is Still Available

You do not need an autism diagnosis to access strategies that may help with:

• Anxiety and stress
• Sensory sensitivities
• Organisation and planning
• Emotional wellbeing
• Relationships and communication
• Daily living challenges

Many people benefit from these approaches whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.

We encourage you to explore the resources available in our General Resource Booklet.

The booklet contains information about:

• Managing anxiety and low mood
• NHS Talking Therapies
• Crisis support services
• Daily living and practical support
• Care Act Assessments
• Hidden disability schemes
• Community groups and social opportunities
• Relationships and wellbeing
• ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions

A Final Message

We recognise the trust it takes to share your experiences and take part in an autism assessment.

Whether this outcome feels reassuring, disappointing, or somewhere in between, we hope that your report helps you understand yourself better and highlights any support that may be helpful moving forward.

Most importantly, we want you to know that a non-diagnostic outcome does not invalidate your experiences. Your challenges are real, your feelings are important, and support remains available.

Thank you for choosing Affirming Autism.