— Adult Autism: Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

Today, autism is the predominant developmental disability. With an estimated 1 in 68 children diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there exists a large opportunity for understanding and treatment to save many lives.

“Symptoms of high-functioning autism in adults” is a symptom that can be seen in people with autism. The symptoms are not as common in children, but they still exist. In this article, I will cover the signs and diagnosis of high-functioning autism, as well as treatment options for adults. Read more in detail here: symptoms of high-functioning autism in adults.

Autism is sometimes referred to be a childhood illness. There are many books, podcasts, videos, and articles available to parents searching for knowledge on how to assist a kid on the spectrum.

However, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a long-term illness. Children with behavioral challenges may learn to manage them, but autism will always be there. They will eventually mature into autistic adults. Once they leave foster care, they may not be able to obtain the help they need. 

Many folks go their whole lives without realizing they have autism. Because of the information gap, they may lose out on important chances. 

Treatment may assist youngsters in developing the skills they will need as adults, and continued treatment can help them polish those talents. Adults may also benefit from treatment by gaining the skills they didn’t realize they lacked.

Adult Autism Begins in Childhood 

Autism spectrum disorder is typically detectable as early as infancy. In fact, some of the brain structural abnormalities linked to autism may be detected even before the infant is born. Adults cannot acquire ASD on their own, but since it is a chronic disorder, a large number of adults do. 

ASD may be identified in toddlers as early as 18 months, although many children do not get a diagnosis. According to researchers, up to 25% of children with autism display symptoms but do not get a diagnosis that would allow them to receive appropriate therapy. 

The following are some of the most prevalent autism symptoms in adults:

• Communication is a problem. Nonverbal cues seem to escape you, and you speak in a monotone that others find strange. You dominate talks by delving into areas that pique your interest.

• Distressed emotions. You have a keen sense of what is going on around you, and your emotions may occasionally take control and direct your actions.

• Repetition. Whatever else is going on that day, you stick to the same daily pattern.

• Restriction. You don’t try new things in your daily activities or interests. You identify a core group of intriguing topics and stick to it.

• Isolation from others. You may yearn for a best friend or love companion, yet you struggle to connect with others.

• Habits of self-soothing In calm places, you clear your throat or hum. When you’re thrilled, you could flap your fingers or hands.

You may recognize yourself in all of these symptoms, or you may recognize yourself in just a few of them while others are unfamiliar. Adults are more likely than children to exhibit just a few symptoms rather than the whole list. Symptoms may also differ according on gender. Some women with autism are quieter than their male counterparts, and their social skills may be more developed. They still have autism, but it’s more difficult to identify since women tend to hide their symptoms.

How Many Adults Are Affected by Autism?

The autistic community continues to expand. Researchers have been telling us for years that more youngsters are being diagnosed with ASD as a result of their clinic visits. As physicians have a better understanding of what autism is and how it manifests itself, they are more likely to diagnose children who need assistance, even if they had previously been neglected. 

All children diagnosed with autism grow up to be adults with autism. That suggests that over 3% of the population might be diagnosed with ASD in the near future. 

Adults, on the other hand, are often misdiagnosed. Instead, they are concerned with:

• Inappropriate assistance. They might be diagnosed with depression, personality problems, ADHD, or another mental illness. Some people seek therapy for these problems, but are disappointed when they do not notice results.

• People may label them as “quirky” or “eccentric” by others around them. These terms have the potential to be offensive.

• Isolation. They may be unable to connect with people for reasons they can not comprehend. They may only be able to function in extremely narrow social groups.

We have no idea how many individuals live in this manner. But there’s a good likelihood there are thousands of them.

What Is the Importance of a Diagnosis?

Finding the solution may seem unimportant to those with undiagnosed autism. After all, they’ve been living with the disease for so long that seeking treatment may feel unnecessary. However, for some individuals, receiving a diagnosis may be life-changing. 

“Suddenly everything made sense,” a guy informed the National Autistic Society of Europe after receiving his diagnosis. He could see why some things affected him even if they didn’t appear to bother anybody else. He discovered why he frequently felt alone, even while surrounded by people he cared about. 

The “best present I have ever gotten,” a lady told the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was her diagnosis. She had a good job, but she had trouble in social situations. Her diagnosis made it simpler to identify what was causing the issues. 

Adults with autism are frequently aware that their style of seeing the world is distinct or different. They may also be aware that they have difficulty performing tasks that others take for granted. The diagnosis helps to put these problems into perspective. This enables for increased self-awareness and comfort. 

A diagnosis may also have concrete advantages, such as:

• Anti-discrimination protection Discrimination in work, education, housing, and transportation is prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You may utilize your diagnosis to start a discussion with your job, landlord, and professors about the changes you’ll need to succeed.

• Financial assistance is available. You may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid as a result of your illness, allowing you to pay your costs and get the medical treatment you need. Autism sufferers may also be eligible for Social Security payments.

• Treatment that is appropriate. A misdiagnosis may have serious repercussions. It’s possible that you’re taking a drug that has a lot of negative side effects. You can obtain the assistance you need after physicians figure out what’s wrong.

A diagnosis will not alter your identity. You will not lose your independence. You are in command, and you may choose whether to share or keep your news to yourself. It’s all up to you. However, the knowledge may provide you with the ability to direct the remainder of your life. 

How Are Adults Diagnosed With Autism?

A self-quiz cannot be used to diagnose autism. That is a diagnosis that can only be made by a professional. It usually occurs after numerous stages have been performed.

To acquire a diagnosis, you’ll need to do the following:

• Make a list of references. Professionals benefit from an outsider’s viewpoint since it helps them comprehend how you behave and respond on a daily basis. Friends, love partners, close family members, and coworkers may have useful information.

Professionals may need many weeks to fully comprehend you, your symptoms, and your life. A diagnosis is applied or rejected when that task is completed. 

Your test results will be kept private. Although the word will be recorded in your medical file, it will not leave your doctor’s office until you share it.

What Are the Benefits of Treatment?

With insights from your ASD diagnosis, you’ll have a better understanding of your thoughts, your inclinations, and your behaviors. Treatment may be suggested by your doctor as well. Although autism is a lifelong illness, treatment may provide you with the skills you’ll need to flourish in a world that isn’t always designed with individuals with autism in mind. 

According to Autism Speaks, almost half of 25-year-old persons with autism have never worked. Those who do work often accept part-time jobs with little pay and no benefits. They may strive to make a life for themselves while living in poverty. 

According to studies, even persons with mild types of ASD, who are more likely to “pass” and avoid diagnosis, have significant difficulties. The majority of them do not have partners and have limited social possibilities. Many people live in isolation. They do not, however, have to live in this manner.

Although autism is a lifelong condition, therapy may assist. Adults may benefit from applied behavior analysis (ABA), the standard autism therapy approach.

According to Autism Speaks, ABA treatments may assist with:

You’ll meet with an ABA specialist to talk about your life, your constraints, and your objectives. You’ll decide together which abilities you’d want to develop and which habits you’d like to break. 

You’ll then practice together. Your therapist will break down your objectives into little chunks that you will practice as exercises until they become second nature to you. 

If you can’t make eye contact, for example, a session may include:

• Discussion. You’ll discuss why this bothers you and what bodily feelings you experience when compelled to establish eye contact.

• Examination. You’ll tell how you’ve avoided eye contact in the past.

• Training. For brief periods of time, you’ll try staring at your therapist’s forehead or nose rather than their eyes. Your therapist will commend you for your efforts, and you may learn some tips and tactics to help the process go more smoothly.

• Extension. The appearance lengthens until you can maintain this position throughout a discussion.

• Practice. Outside of treatment, you’ll practice this strategy and report on your improvement.

The purpose of ABA isn’t to change your personality or take away your autonomy. Rather, it’s to assist you in making connections with people and thriving in the world. 

Adults and ABA research is scarce. Researchers identified few papers that they liked regarding how well the strategy performed in one review. Many individuals who utilize ABA report that it aids them in completing things that previously seemed unachievable. They were able to perform things that had before appeared impossible. 

If you’ve battled as an adult with autism, this might be the therapy you need to live your life to the fullest.

References

The “symptoms of autism in adult women” is a symptom that can be seen in adults with autism. Symptoms are different for every person, but some common symptoms include social withdrawal and lack of eye contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of high functioning autism in adults?

A: There are many signs that could be indicative of high functioning autism in adults. These include the following:
Many interests and qualitatively rich activities;
Inflexible routines, rituals and schedules; Often no eye contact with others or even a sense of social awkwardness when around other people; No response to common forms of communication like verbal questions (they may not react at all); Interests often fluctuate over time without any obvious reasoning behind it.

How do you diagnose autism in adults?

A: The first step in diagnosing autism is to rule out other possible causes. This can be done by running basic tests like blood work, a complete physical and an EEG (electroencephalogram). After these are all run, its time for the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation which includes psychological assessment, standardized testing of intelligence and motor skills as well as observation.

Can you show signs of autism later in life?

A: This is a difficult question to answer, as there are so many different factors that determine the persons experience with autism. There are some who develop it early in life but do not show signs until much later on and vice versa. I cannot give you an accurate answer for this question without knowing more about your situation!

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