Many people assume that everyone who has autism is diagnosed with the condition as a child. However, that’s not always the case. A large proportion of people slip through the net, growing into adults and wondering why they don’t seem to fit or belong.
Figuring out an adult autism diagnosis is tricky and something that requires professional help. However, there are some telltale signs you should pay attention to that might indicate you have the condition (something which is usually present from a very young age).
Sign 1: Intense Focus On Specific Interests
One sign is that you focus intensely on specific interests that few other people have. You go into these topics in detail, exploring them from every angle, and never seeming to get bored.
However, you go beyond what most people would consider a healthy interest. Instead, you delve deep, often at the expense of other activities in life, like hanging out with friends or going to work.
Sign 2: Sensory Sensitivity
The second sign you may have autism as an adult is sensory sensitivity. You react strongly to bright lights, loud noises, and unusual textures in ways that other people don’t seem to. These excessive stimuli can cause discomfort, putting you off things like rock concerts and fireworks displays.
Again, if you feel an aversion to situations like these, it could indicate autism as an adult. Even if you are functional in your job, it often feels like the condition is still there.
Sign 3: Trouble With Social Interactions
Another telltale sign you might have autism as an adult is trouble with social interactions. Dealing with other people might not be something that comes naturally to you.
For example, you might struggle with body language or adopting the right tone for the situation. You might also have problems with communication or misunderstand jokes.
It’s okay to feel like this occasionally, but if you get the sense things aren’t working for you socially in every interaction, that’s a sign that you may have autism. If you can’t maintain professional relationships or get promotions at work, it could indicate the need to see a specialist.
Sign 4: Emotional Regulation Challenges
Another sign you have an issue is challenges with emotional regulation. You may find it hard to control your emotions and be prone to outbursts from time to time.
For most autistic people, the most common reaction to extreme stress is to shut down. Switching off all emotions is often a short-term solution that makes the situation more manageable. Larger outbursts are rarer.
Sign 5: Preference For Routine
Finally, you may have undiagnosed autism as an adult if you have a strong preference for routine and deviating from it makes you feel negative emotions. Children with autism often like to do the same things every day because they are predictable. The same is often true of adults with autism, although the realities of life often get in the way, creating even more stress.
So, which of these signs do you recognise in yourself? If you recognise some of these signs and want to explore further, you can try free research-based autism and ADHD screening tools such as the RAADS-R and AQ tests on Neurodirect
Read more health articles at ClichéMag.com
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