Autism Symptoms in Adults: Signs & Checklist

Hidden in Plain Sight: Exploring Signs of Autism in Adults

While autism awareness has grown in recent years, much of the focus remains on childhood symptoms. But, what about adults? Recognizing autism in adulthood can be like piecing together a hidden puzzle, with subtle signs often overlooked or attributed to other causes. This can leave individuals struggling in silence, navigating a world built for neurotypical minds while their own unique experiences go undiagnosed and unsupported.

Common autism symptoms in adults can include differences in social communication, difficulty reading social cues, sensory sensitivities, strong routines, intense interests, and feeling overwhelmed by unexpected change. These signs can look different from person to person, and only a qualified professional can diagnose autism.

It's crucial to remember that autism is a spectrum, not a single monolithic entity. What manifests in one person might be completely different in another, making generalizations tricky. Yet, there are common threads that often weave through the experiences of adults with autism, offering clues for both self-recognition and understanding those around us.

So, let's step beyond the playground stereotype and delve into the nuanced reality of adult autism. We'll explore the ways it can manifest in social interactions, sensory processing, and emotional expression, remembering that this is just a glimpse, not an exhaustive guide. Ultimately, only a qualified professional can assess and diagnose autism. But with more awareness, we can empower individuals to seek support and build a more inclusive world where unique differences are celebrated, not hidden or misunderstood.

Ready to embark on this journey of discovery? Join me as we unlock the secrets of adult autism, one sign at a time.

Checklist of Adult Autism Communication Signs and Symptoms

Remember, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) manifests differently in everyone, and this checklist is not exhaustive or diagnostic. If you suspect you or someone you know might be on the spectrum, seeking professional evaluation is crucial.

• Find joining in conversation difficult.

• Speak in a flat, monotone voice, or not speak.

• Have trouble relating to other people’s thoughts or emotions.

• Use repetitive language.

• Find it hard to read someone’s body language and emotions.

• Find that others don’t understand how you are feeling and say that “it is hard to know what you are thinking”.

• Dominate conversations and provide excessive information on the specific topics you are interested in.

• Find it easier to talk ‘at’ people, rather than engaging in a two-way conversation.

• Have trouble reading social cues.

• Find ‘small talk’ such as talking about the weather and what others are doing difficult.

• Take things literally. For example, if someone says ‘oh that’s a piece of cake’ or ‘you’re barking up the wrong tree’ you find it difficult to know what they mean.

• Be blunt in your assessment of people and things.

• Find it difficult to maintain eye contact when you are talking to someone.

• Have your own unique phrases and descriptive words.

• Find building and maintaining close friendships and relationships difficult.

• You may make faces that others find unusual.

• You may make gestures when speaking with people.

• Rehearse conversations in your head before speaking to people.

• Feel drained after social situations, even when they seem manageable on the surface.

• Try to copy how other people speak, react, or socialise in order to fit in

Checklist of Adult Autism Behavior Signs and Symptoms:

• You enjoy consistent routines and schedules and get upset or anxious should that routine or schedule be changed.

• You find it upsetting when something happens that you did not expect to happen.

• Have trouble regulating your emotional responses.

• Are bothered if your things are moved or rearranged by someone.

• Have a series of repetitive rituals or behaviors that you follow daily.

• You make noises in places where you are expected to be quiet.

• Preference for highly specific interests or hobbies that you spend a lot of time on.

• Have difficulty multi-tasking.

• Have a very strong reaction or no reaction at all to sensory stimuli, such as textures, sounds, smells, and tastes.

• Feel overwhelmed in busy environments such as shopping centres, restaurants, or crowded workplaces.

• Find transitions between tasks difficult, especially when you are deeply focused on something.

These signs and symptoms can impact a person’s life positively and negatively. For some people, the signs and characteristics of autism will impact life positively. This might include:

• Excelling in a chosen area of study, or a chosen career.

• Noticing details in the environment that others miss.

• Having increased empathy or immense care for people or animals.

• Enjoy working independently.

Some clients that we work with have noted these things that they experience:

• I find it difficult to read social cues, I take things very literally, I have trouble with sarcasm or jokes

• I only recently realized that other people can experience things in different ways to me

• I have been prone to manipulation and being taken advantage of. I can't tell when people are lying or have ulterior motives and generally don't understand why people would say things they don't mean.

• Unstructured social occasions are very difficult for me

• I can't stand loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. These things can be very overwhelming for me and can me nauseous or very irritated.

• I can only concentrate on one thing at a time… I find it very hard to complete a task while someone is talking.

• I can be very obsessive about certain things, like my hobbies or the food I eat. Sometimes I eat the same food for a couple of months.

• I experience social anxiety.

• I feel like I don't connect with people.

• I have had relationships and friendships end suddenly without understanding why.

Some adults also describe a lifetime of feeling different without knowing exactly why. In many cases, they may have developed ways to mask or hide their difficulties, especially in work, school, or social settings. This can make autism harder to recognise until adulthood.

It’s important to note that each person’s experience of autism is different – and no two people on the spectrum will have the same set of signs and characteristics.

Some adults on the spectrum will experience symptoms that result in challenges in everyday life. Others on the spectrum may simply feel like something is different about them from the next person. Chances are, they may have felt that way since childhood but haven’t been able to pinpoint exactly why. Or, they may not notice that they feel or behave differently than others.

Autism in Adults Can Sometimes Look Different in Women

Autism in women is sometimes missed because the signs may appear differently or be better masked. Some women learn to copy social behaviours, prepare carefully for interactions, or hide sensory discomfort in order to fit in. This can lead to late diagnosis, burnout, anxiety, or a long-standing feeling of being misunderstood.

Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety Can Overlap

Some autistic adults also experience anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health challenges. Certain traits can overlap, which is one reason why self-diagnosis can be difficult. A professional assessment can help clarify whether autism, another condition, or a combination of factors may be contributing to someone’s experiences.

How Autism Is Diagnosed in Adults

An adult autism assessment usually involves discussing lifelong patterns in communication, behaviour, sensory experiences, relationships, and daily functioning. A clinician may also ask about childhood signs, even if they were subtle or not recognised at the time. The goal is not to label personality traits, but to understand whether a person’s experiences are consistent with autism.

There is Hope For You

The impact of an ASD diagnosis and treatment is individual. Approach it with realistic expectations and seek professional guidance throughout the process. However, for many, it can be a key that unlocks a deeper understanding of yourself, empowers you to take control of your life, and helps you discover the fulfilling path of acceptance and belonging.

Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in ASD Evaluations and ASD Treatment. We have locations in New York and New Jersey and perform thorough and professional ASD testing and therapy in-person and virtually.

If you are newly diagnosed with ASD or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.