Autism in adults: experts share symptoms of being on the spectrum

Children out of 36 in the United States are autistic, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (HHS) – but many do not learn that they are on the spectrum before adulthood.

Those who grow up without diagnosis may experience symptoms that are ignored or misunderstood.

One out of 45 adults in the United States receives a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (TSA), according to Autism Speaks, a non-profit national organism for the awareness of autism.

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Although there is a current increase in advocacy and autism education, there are probably “many adults” who have never received a diagnosis or who have been poorly diagnosed, the organization of which New Jersey is prohibited on its website.

If you think you or someone you like can be on the spectrum, here is what autism can look like in adults.

About 5.4 million American adults live with autism, according to data published by the National Institutes of Health. (istock)

Common characteristics

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the TSA is defined by challenges with social communication and the presence of limited or repetitive behavior.

Certain “characteristics of autism” in adults, as autism emphasizes, includes an awkward sensation in social situations, having difficulty understanding the feelings or thoughts of others, preferring to be alone, struggling with friends and having trouble understanding social rules.

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Certain verbal and non -verbal communication indices may include difficulties with visual contact, respond in a frank manner or take things literally.

Repetitive or restrictive behaviors – like following the same routine every day, note small details that others would not do it, and have “very intense and specific interests” – are also signs of potential autism, according to the same source.

The autism spectrum disorder is defined by challenges with social communication and the presence of limited or repetitive behavior. (istock)

Autistic adults may not display all characteristics, and behaviors and interests can change with age.

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Major life changes – such as college movements, career transitions or changes in family status (such as marriage, births, divorce or death) – can change symptoms.

“ Masking ” to adapt

The “masking” is a term used in the autism community to describe how an autistic individual hides symptoms to “integrate” and avoid attracting attention in social situations.

Some autistic people choose to mask to avoid intimidation, maintain friendships and succeed at work or at school, says autism.

It is possible to mask without even recognizing that this happens, because some people adopt “subtle dropout behaviors”, such as the use of Fidget toys.

Autistic girls and women are more likely to “hide” than boys and men, according to experts. (istock)

Imiting the discourse or body language of others during a conversation is another form of masking, as well as forcing visual contact or facial expressions, which may seem unnatural.

Masking can help adults autistic people sailing in daily interactions, but research has shown that it can have negative effects on mental health, as it can cause feelings of isolation and exhaustion, depending on autism.

Gender differences

Girls and women autistic have proven to be more socially adaptive than boys and men suffering from disorder, which makes them more likely to hide, according to research.

Symptoms may vary considerably from person to person.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that autism is about three times more frequent in boys than girls.

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Alisha Simpson-Watt, an approved social worker, analyst of certified behavior and founder of collaborative Aba Services, said that masking often begins in childhood and can become “so anchored that it looks like second nature”.

This can lead to many women not diagnosed until adulthood.

People who align themselves with the symptoms of current autism should seek a formal evaluation, says an expert. (istock)

“Cultural expectations also play a role, because girls are often socialized to be more accommodating, emotionally expressive or socially listening, which can obscure the signs of autism,” the expert based on Connecticut in Fox News Digital told.

Road to diagnosis

TSA is a spectrum, which means that symptoms can vary considerably from person to person, said Simpson-Watt.

“Although fundamental characteristics remain the same, there are differences in social communication and repetitive behavior,” she said. “How the characteristics present can differ between individuals.”

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Recognizing the “diversity of the spectrum” is the key, said Simpson-Watt. “Autism is not like everyone else, and understand that it can help more adults get the support and validation they need.”

For adults who believe they have an unmatched autism, the expert said it was important to “trust your instinct” and consider obtaining a formal evaluation.

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“Start by speaking with your primary care doctor or check your insurer your list of qualified professionals who diagnose autism in adults,” she advised.

“Note that certain insurance schemes may have age -related restrictions on the coverage of autism assessments, so it is useful to start the process as soon as possible.”