What Does Autism Look Like in Adults?
You’ve always felt different, but didn’t know why. An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis can help shine a light on why certain things have always been difficult, while others came easily. If you think you might have ASD, watch this video.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically a lifelong condition.
More severe forms of ASD are often diagnosed in the first two years of a child’s life, but less severe forms may slip by undiagnosed into adulthood. Even late in life, a diagnosis can offer major benefits and relief.
If you think you might be on the spectrum, watch this video on adult autism.
What Does Autism Look Like in Adults?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not solely a childhood diagnosis.
ASD affects adults in three main areas:
- Social interactions
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Repetitive or ritualistic behaviors
Symptoms occur on a spectrum of severity. Some adults require fewer supports, while others face formidable daily challenges. No two autistic people are the same.
Common symptoms in adults include:
- Difficulty understanding others’ feelings
- Trouble keeping up with conversations
- Inflection that does not reflect feelings
- Strict consistency to daily routines or activities
- Deep knowledge of one particular topic
- Trouble interpreting body language, facial expressions, or social cues
If you think you might show signs of ASD, answer these self-test questions.
- Have you always wanted a best friend, but never found one?
- Do people often refer to you as “quirky” or “eccentric?”
- When having a conversation, do you avoid making eye contact?
- Are expressions like, “Curiosity killed the cat” confusing to you?
- Is your memory like a steel trap, even for facts that you don’t fully understand?
- Do you follow the same routine every day, and dislike unexpected events?
- Do you talk to friends at a party the same way you would talk to co-workers in the office?
- Are you always bumping into things, or tripping over your own feet?
- When you’re in a quiet place, do you make involuntary noises, like clearing your throat, over and over?
- Are you really good at math or music, but struggle in other areas?
If you agreed with a majority of these statements, you may have some characteristics that resemble ASD. Take your results to a healthcare professional and request an autism evaluation.
This self-test video is not intended to diagnose or replace the care of a healthcare professional. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through a clinical evaluation. For personal use only.
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