The symptoms of autism in adults can differ from those in children, and many adults have learned to live with their symptoms over the years.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common Trusted Source neurodevelopment disorders. In most cases, people receive an autism diagnosis in childhood, usually after the age of 4 years.
However, some adults live with undiagnosed ASD. Even people with more severe symptoms may not have received the correct diagnosis.
There are some similarities between ASD and certain other disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Receiving an ASD diagnosis later in life can be helpful for many reasons, but particularly because it can provide people with better access to services and support. Read on to learn more about autism in adults.
Signs and symptoms of adult autism
Autistic people typically find aspects of communication and social interaction challenging. They may have difficulty relating to other people and understanding the emotions of others.
Autistic people may also have inflexible thought patterns and behaviour, and they often carry out repetitive actions.
Adults with mild symptoms of ASD may not get a diagnosis until later in life, if ever.
Common signs and symptoms of ASD in adults can include: clumsiness, difficulty making conversation, difficulty making or maintaining close friendships, discomfort during eye contact, challenges with regulating emotions and extreme interest in one particular topic, such as a specific period of history.
Other signs and symptoms can also be frequent monologues on the same subject or subjects, hypersensitivity to sounds or smells that do not seem to bother others, involuntary noises, such as repetitive throat clearing, issues understanding sarcasm or idioms, lack of inflection when speaking, only having an interest in a few activities, preference for solitary activities, and problems reading the emotions of others
However, they also have trouble in understanding facial expressions and body language, reliance on daily routines and difficulty dealing with changes to routine, repetitive behaviours, social anxiety, superior abilities Trusted Source in mathematics and related disciplines, in some cases and the need to arrange items in a specific order
Autistic people will not usually have all of the above signs and symptoms, and they may experience others that are not on the list. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person.
Also, the symptoms can differ between men and women.
Autistic women may be quieter and appear to cope better with social situations than autistic men. As a result, it can be more challenging to diagnose ASD in women.
According to some research, autistic people may have higher rates Trusted Source of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression, than those in the general population.
Living with autism
Living with ASD can be challenging, but receiving a diagnosis can provide access to certain autism supports and services.
It can also provide a different perspective on a person’s childhood and the way that they relate to others and the world.
There is no “cure” for ASD, but for many people, ASD is an essential part of their identity and does not require treatment.
Doctors and therapists can help people manage their symptoms and deal with challenges specific to ASD, such as sensory overload and social situations.
Culled from Medical News Today (MNT)
