Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior. While often diagnosed in childhood, many adults are diagnosed later in life. Recognizing the signs can be crucial for seeking support and understanding your own unique experiences.

Here are 9 of the most common signs of autism in adulthood:

1. Difficulty with Social Interactions:

 Challenges in reading social cues: Misinterpreting body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice.

 Struggles with initiating and maintaining conversations: Finding it difficult to engage in back-and-forth exchanges or know what to say.

 Avoiding eye contact: Feeling uncomfortable making direct eye contact.

 Preferring solitary activities: Finding comfort in spending time alone and feeling overwhelmed in large social gatherings.

2. Sensory Sensitivity:

 Extreme sensitivity to sensory input: Feeling overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or certain textures.

 Seeking sensory input: Engaging in repetitive behaviors or seeking out specific sensations to regulate their sensory experience.

3. Repetitive Behaviors and Interests:

 Sticking to routines: Feeling anxious when routines are disrupted or having difficulty adjusting to change.

 Fixated interests: Developing deep passions for specific topics or activities and becoming overly focused on them.

 Repetitive movements: Engaging in repetitive motions like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.

4. Communication Challenges:

 Literal interpretation: Understanding language literally and struggling with sarcasm or figurative language.

 Difficulty expressing emotions: Having trouble understanding and articulating their own feelings or interpreting others’ emotions.

 Communication difficulties: Struggling with verbal fluency or finding it difficult to express themselves clearly.

5. Anxiety and Depression:

 Higher rates of anxiety and depression: Experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, stress, or depression, often due to social challenges or sensory overload.

 Challenges with emotional regulation: Having difficulty managing emotions and finding it hard to regulate mood swings.

6. Executive Functioning Difficulties:

 Challenges with planning and organization: Having trouble with time management, organization, and multitasking.

 Difficulties with focus and attention: Easily getting distracted or finding it challenging to concentrate on tasks.

7. Differences in Motor Skills:

 Awkward gait or clumsiness: Having difficulty with coordination or physical tasks.

 Unusual movements: Exhibiting unusual or repetitive hand gestures or movements.

8. Challenges with Theory of Mind:

 Difficulty understanding others’ perspectives: Struggling to grasp that others have different thoughts, feelings, and motivations than their own.

9. History of Social and Emotional Difficulties:

 History of bullying or social isolation: Experiencing difficulty making friends or feeling rejected by peers.

 Feeling misunderstood: Feeling like they don’t fit in or that others don’t understand them.

Important Note:

It’s crucial to remember that everyone experiences autism differently. Some individuals may experience only a few of these signs, while others may experience many. It’s also important to rule out other potential conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you know, seeking professional evaluation by a qualified mental health professional specializing in autism is essential. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and guide you toward the appropriate support and resources.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and can lead to a greater understanding of yourself and your experiences.