
While most people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are diagnosed as children, for various reasons, many people are not diagnosed until adulthood. One of these reasons may be that symptoms of ASD were masked whilst growing up. Many high functioning children with ASD can be exceptionally intelligent and well functioning at school. To parents and teachers, their exceptional abilities may mask other behavioural signs of ASD. Another reason may be mis-diagnosis. Many symptoms of ASD may present similarly to other neurodevelopmental disorders or mental health difficulties such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). These early mis-diagnoses are sometimes not noticed until adulthood.
Although not receiving an ASD diagnosis at a young age could mean that the child misses out on imperative learning support, it is never too late. Receiving an ASD diagnosis as an adult can be very beneficial. As an adult, it may be relieving to finally understand your behaviour and preferences. In addition, you can access ample support to help you understand your diagnosis, learn how to helpfully communicate your diagnosis to others and learn how to manage better if certain situations are particularly problematic for you.
Autism is considered a spectrum because each person will present very uniquely. The signs of autism can vary significantly between children and adults and even between men and women. However, there are a number of common signs that you can look out for, if you are considering an ASD diagnosis for yourself or another adult. In this blog we will list and explain signs of ASD in adults.
Autism is characterised as a developmental disorder that affects social and communication skills, as well as how people interact and understand the world around them. Symptoms of ASD in adults tend to be grouped into three main areas.
Although there are three main categories of ASD symptoms, it might be that an adult with ASD does not present with symptoms in all three categories and may notice more symptoms in only one or two of the categories.
Now, let’s take a look at the most common signs of autism that may fall under the three categories mentioned above.
Aside from the main symptoms of autism, there are a number of other signs that you can look out for. None of these signs, or those above, should be taken as proof of autism on their own, but as an indicator to explore more.
While there are many symptoms of ASD in adults that you can look out for, it’s always important to remember that stand-alone symptoms can’t always dictate whether someone has autism. There are many other reasons why someone might be demonstrating any of these behaviours.
Mavish is a BABCP Accredited CBT and EMDR Therapist and CBT Clinical Lead at Psymplicity. Since beginning undergraduate studies 13 years ago, Mavish has worked in various mental health settings within the charity, NHS and private sector. Mavish’s passion for learning and professional growth has led to a vastness of experience and accelerated growth in her career while delivering one-to-one therapy, group workshops, training and supervision for professionals and senior team management. Mavish is a keen writer and writes many of the articles on our website, as well of our self-help resources.
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