Autism appears differently in adults when compared to children, especially regarding its symptoms. Namely, those affected with autism struggle with engaging in conversation and even have social anxiety. Specifically, of all the neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent.
What to Know About ASD
Typically, most individuals with autism receive their diagnosis during childhood, around the age of four years old. Other adults may remain undiagnosed even despite showing symptoms resulting in challenges that impact their daily lives. However, receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood has its benefits as it allows individuals to get support and essential services that help them. Unfortunately, many adults learn to adapt to living with their systems, further complicating the diagnostic process.
The biggest struggles adults with autism face are problems with communication and social interaction. Specifically, they may find it challenging to relate to others. More than that, these individuals may lack understanding of other people’s emotions, which can lead to the false belief that they lack empathy. As a result of these challenges, they may struggle with making friends or maintaining close friendships. Moreover, they may feel anxious making eye contact and not fully understand sarcasm or idiomatic expressions.
Interactions with autistic adults may also lead to challenges in understanding their emotions due to a lack of inflection in their speech. Furthermore, their issues with reading body language and facial expressions further challenge their effort for clearer communication, affecting their friendships. Overall, regulating emotions is essential in clear communication, and their struggles with understanding them impact these social interactions.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
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Autistic adults may engage in repetitive actions due to their inflexible thoughts and behavioral patterns. These adults may habitually make involuntary noises like clearing their throats repeatedly. Many of these individuals may rely heavily on following daily routines with an inability to properly cope with any changes. They may also be compelled to constantly arrange objects in specific orders, further highlighting their need for predictability and structure.
Another common symptom of autism in adults is the development of an intense interest in a specific topic. This symptom reveals itself in how autistic adults engage in a topic with frequent and prolonged discussion about it for extended or consistent periods. Moreover, they may have interests in a few activities or prefer solitary pursuits.
Although this symptom of particular interests can be problematic, there are benefits. For instance, adults with autism may have exceptional abilities in certain fields like education and the arts. Furthermore, these adults may develop better memory and recall, learn things in great detail, and make strong visual or auditory learners. Additionally, they may struggle with hypersensitivity to particular sounds, sights, smells, and other stimuli as well.
Challenges In Diagnosing Adult Autism
Sadly, adults may be deterred from seeking an autism diagnosis because it comes with various challenges. Particularly, those who didn’t get diagnosed in their childhood may show milder symptoms, which can go unnoticed. Specifically, they may have learned how to mask, or in other words, hide their symptoms, also complicating the process of getting an autism diagnosis. Research has shown that the main diagnostic test for adults suspected of autism isn’t entirely reliable. To work around this problem, however, a mental health professional would have to recognize and acknowledge any symptoms that these individuals may have to get the appropriate testing.
Autism Diagnosis Tests and Process
Self-assessment tests may provide the best results for adults who suspect themselves or their loved ones of having autism. While these tests are easily accessible online, they’re useful as a starting point to get a former diagnosis. Once the test is completed, individuals should bring their results to their primary care health provider, who will further assess the possibility of autism with follow-up questions.
The doctor may ask about symptoms, past and present background information, behavioral changes, and permission to speak with their client’s loved ones. Along with these questions, the doctor will check for other mental and physical health conditions that may explain their client’s symptoms to rule out, if needed. Following that, if no other condition is present, their doctor may refer their clients to a psychologist or psychiatrist to get a formal autism diagnosis.
Since autism is mostly diagnosed during childhood, adults who seek an autism diagnosis may find it challenging. Not only that but mental healthcare providers usually have more experience diagnosing children, further complicating the process with adults. Comparatively, symptoms appearing in adolescence and adulthood can suggest a different mental health condition altogether. Therefore, adults who seek an autism diagnosis should search for healthcare providers with experience diagnosing adults.
Treatment for Autism in Adults
Treatment for adult autism may involve a combination of social and job skills training, medication, and counseling. With social training, these adults can learn time management skills and learn effective communication to develop and maintain relationships. Adults in job skill training learn how to prepare for interviews and find jobs aligning with their strengths while learning how to speak to employers about their issues.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, provides the best treatment options, which can help with these adult’s self-esteem and relationships. At the same time, medications can mitigate any hyperactivity or irritability, as well as address co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Final Thoughts
Adults who seek an autism diagnosis may find several benefits. For starters, a proper diagnosis can give struggling adults relief from the various challenges they experience, allowing for a better understanding of their needs. Not only does the individual benefit from an autism diagnosis, but so does their relationships as their family and friends can offer better support. Moreover, an autistic adult can gain access to benefits and services in the workplace and education settings. Lastly, previous misdiagnoses of other mental disorders like ADHD can be corrected as an autism diagnosis ensures these individuals get the best help to live their best lives.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
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