Although many people relate autism spectrum disorder with children, quite a number of adults live their entire life without diagnosed autism. Recognizing the signs can be important to both understand oneself or support someone close. Today, we look at 12 common signs in adults that provide insight into the way this condition manifests beyond a person’s childhood.
- Difficulty with Social Interactions
Adults with autism may find it difficult to handle social settings. They might have problems with interpreting social cues, keeping conversations going, or developing meaningful relationships. This at times can lead to feelings of isolation or misunderstanding. Additionally, they may prefer being alone or with a small group of trusted individuals rather than engaging in large social gatherings.
- Unusual Eye Contact
Many adults on the autism spectrum either make little or no eye contact-or they make too much eye contact. This serves as a protection against discomfort from, or confusion of, the assumed non-verbal communication in eye-to-eye contact. To some individuals, this may be physically discomforting or overload to keep eye-to-eye contact.
- Hyper-Focused on Special Interests
One of the characteristics of autism is a strong, focused interest in specific subjects or hobbies. Adults with autism may spend a great deal of time and energy on their interests, sometimes becoming experts in those areas. Such interests can vary from technology and art to more specialized subjects and often provide comfort and fulfillment.
- Preference for Routine
Many adults on the autism spectrum have a strong desire for structure and routine. Changes in daily schedules or unexpected events can bring immense stress and anxiety. Predictable routines create a sense of stability and control, important elements to many individuals on the spectrum.
- Sensory Sensitivities
Some adults with autism might have an increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells. For example, loud noises or bright lights may feel too intense and might cause discomfort or avoidance behaviors. Other people might seek sensory input, enjoying certain textures or repetitive sounds.
- Difficulty Expressing Emotions
This can make it hard for them to express their feelings or understand the feelings of others. They would be seen as being aloof or unsympathetic, while this may actually not be the case with many adults who have autism and for whom structured therapy or support groups have created constructive ways to process and express such emotions.
- Literal Thinking
Adults on the spectrum may have difficulties with abstract concepts, sarcasm, or metaphors. Many of them interpret language in a very literal sense, which sometimes causes communication problems. For example, expressions like “raining cats and dogs” may confuse them or be taken quite literally.
- Restricted/Repetitive Behaviors
Common behaviors include tapping, rocking, or repetition of certain words or phrases. These behaviors are often used as reducers of anxiety or for comfort and are sometimes referred to as “stimming.” These behaviors are generally not harmful, though are often confused by others.
- Executive Functioning Difficulties
Planning, organization, and completion of tasks become hard for an adult with autism. This can be manifested in different ways, including problems with time management or difficulty in meeting deadlines. They also find it very difficult to know which tasks should be prioritized or to accommodate changes in schedules.
- Difficulty in Finding Employment
The workplace may be challenging for a variety of reasons: social expectations, sensory overload, or an inability to navigate team dynamics. Many adults with autism, however, really shine when they are in jobs that play to their interests and strengths. Clear communication and reasonable accommodations by the employer can help unlock the potential of autistic employees.
- Struggles with Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Autistic adults may not always grasp the tone, body language, or facial expressions of others. They may speak in a monotone or formal manner, which can be misinterpreted. Some may prefer written communication over verbal interactions as it allows more time to process and respond.
- Strong Feeling of Justice or Inflexible Thinking
Many adults on the autism spectrum have a high sense of right and wrong and enjoy having things explicitly stated. This sometimes makes them very principled, though may frustrate them in situations where things are gray. They tend to perform well in an environment where expectations are clearly spelled out.
Seeking Support for Autism in Adults
Better understanding and support begin with the recognition of these signs. If you or someone close to you exhibits these traits, seeking a professional evaluation can bring clarity and access to resources that may help improve quality of life.
We Care Support focuses on tender care for adults with Autism. We offer a variety of services: autism assessment in Orlando FL to personalized planning and everything in between. Let us tell you how we can help one another support you and your loved ones in reaching new places of success, hand in hand with creating an atmosphere of inclusion and empowerment.
