Autism in Adults
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people learn, communicate, and interact socially. As the name suggests, autism occurs on a spectrum, meaning there is a wide range in the type and severity of symptoms individuals experience. Signs of autism typically begin before age three, and since 2006, children are regularly screened for developmental milestones.
Signs of Autism in Adults
Adults with autism often show symptoms related to social and communication difficulties, sensory processing dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, and issues with executive function. High-functioning autism means that a person is able to read, write, speak, and handle daily tasks. People may seem quirky or odd, but their behavior generally doesn't cause major disruption in their work, school, or relationships.
Social & Communication Difficulties
In social settings, people with autism:
Have a hard time interpreting nonverbal cues
Have difficulty understanding other perspectives
Experience challenges maintaining conversations and staying on topic
Might give very short responses to questions or may respond with long, detailed commentary
Are more likely to be factual than emotional.
Sensory Differences
Adults (and children) with autism have brains that have trouble filtering out sensory inputs and can become overwhelmed by their environment. They may be over or under-sensitive to sounds, light, smells, tastes, or touch, and this often occurs in multiple areas. Each individual’s experience is unique; sensory differences can range from mild to severe.
Restrictive & Repetitive Behaviors
People with autism tend to live by strict schedules and become stressed when routines are interrupted. They may focus intensely on topics or activities they are interested in, prefer eating the same foods or wearing the same clothes, or watch the same movie over and over. Another key sign of autism is self-stimulatory behaviors like tapping, rubbing hands on thighs, rocking, or hand flapping. While these actions, also known as stimming, may be an outcome of a disorganized nervous system, some people say these behaviors ease anxiety.
Executive Function
Executive functioning describes the cognitive abilities and skills related to planning, organizing, and attention. Adults on the autism spectrum may experience challenges with complex thinking and planning. As a result, basic daily tasks, like remembering appointments or making breakfast, can seem overwhelming.
Diagnosing Autism
A formal evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist can help understand challenges and identify strengths for an individual with autism. Autism screenings include questionnaires and observations to assess which symptoms (and their severity) are present. In adults, some ASD symptoms can overlap with symptoms of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Behavioral and educational interventions can increase skills around social interactions and communication, and reduce behaviors that interfere with daily functioning. Some adults may benefit from medication that can treat specific symptoms, like aggression, anxiety and depression, or repetitive behavior.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “am I autistic?” or recognize yourself in some of these patterns, talking with a professional can help understand challenges and identify strengths to manage symptoms. Contact us at Evolve Counseling & Wellness Center to get started.