Winton Eliott
New research is finding that autism has been underdiagnosed in the past, especially in children and adults.
This may be because signs of autism are not always obvious or because people are reluctant to pursue a diagnosis due to negative attitudes towards developmental disorders.
However, as awareness of autism spectrum disorder increases, more people realize that behaviors they have considered quirks might actually be signs of ASD.
What are some signs of autism in adults?
There are some signs in adults with autism. There are:
Difficulty understanding social cues
People with autism often have difficulty understanding social cues. This can manifest in a number of ways, such as not knowing when it is their turn to speak or feeling uncomfortable in groups.
This difficulty can make social interactions very challenging for people with autism. However, there are a number of strategies that can help.
For example, practices such as social scripting and role-playing can help people with autism to learn and practice the skills they need to navigate social situations.
Lack of eye contact
Lack of eye contact is a common symptom of autism. People with autism may avoid eye contact or have difficulty making and maintaining eye contact.
While some people with autism may prefer not to make eye contact, others may find it difficult or uncomfortable to do so.
Lack of eye contact can make social interactions more difficult, as it can be hard to gauge someone’s reaction or indicate interest in a conversation.
In addition, lack of eye contact can make it difficult to communicate emotions. However, there are ways to overcome these difficulties.
For example, people with autism can learn to use other cues, such as body language and facial expressions, to communicate their feelings.
In addition, there are many technology tools that can help people with autism to make and maintain eye contact.
The trouble with conversational skills
People with autism may have difficulty with conversational skills. This can manifest in a number of ways, such as not knowing how to start or maintain a conversation, or having trouble understanding the back-and-forth nature of the conversation.
In addition, people with autism may have difficulty reading social cues, such as body language and facial expressions.
As a result, they may not know when it is their turn to speak or how to respond to someone else’s conversation.
These difficulties can make social interactions very challenging for people with autism.
However, there are a number of strategies that can help. For example, practices such as social scripting and role-playing can help people with autism learn and practice the skills they need to navigate social situations.
Finding it hard to make friends
People with autism may have difficulty making friends. This can be because of a number of factors, such as difficulty understanding social cues or lack of interest in the same things as other people.
In addition, people with autism may not know how to initiate or maintain a conversation. As a result, they may find it hard to connect with other people.
However, there are a number of ways to overcome these difficulties.
For example, people with autism can learn to use other cues, such as body language and facial expressions, to communicate their feelings.
In addition, there are many technology tools that can help people with autism to make and maintain eye contact.
Read also: Is it necessary to teach social skills to children with autism (ASD)?
Can adults suddenly develop autism?
Autism is a lifelong condition that is characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
While it is most often diagnosed in childhood, there are a number of factors that can make it more difficult to diagnose in adults.
For example, many adults with autism have learned to mask their symptoms or cope with them in different ways.
In addition, many adults with autism may not have access to the same resources as children, such as early intervention programs. As a result, it may be more difficult to diagnose autism in adults.
However, there are a number of resources available to adults with autism, such as support groups and adult-specific resources.
Read also: A Study Finds That Impaired Brain Connections Are Linked To Autism
What can be mistaken for autism in adults?
There are a number of conditions that can be mistaken for autism in adults. For example, some adults with anxiety or depression may exhibit similar symptoms to those with autism.
In addition, some adults with ADHD may have difficulty with social interaction and communication, which can be mistaken for autism.
However, there are a number of key differences between these conditions and autism. For example, people with autism typically have difficulty with social interaction from an early age, while people with ADHD may not.
In addition, people with autism typically have repetitive behaviors or interests, while people with ADHD do not. As a result, it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified professional in order to rule out other conditions.
Read also: What Is a Cult of Personality
Takeaway
Autism is a developmental disorder that can cause difficulty with social interactions. It is most often diagnosed in childhood, but there are a number of factors that can make it more difficult to diagnose in adults.
There are a number of resources available to people with autism, such as support groups and adult-specific resources.
While each person with autism is unique, there are some common challenges that people with this condition may face. These can include difficulty communicating, problems with social interactions, and repetitive behaviors.
Many people with autism also have difficulty processing sensory information, which can lead to sensitivities to sound or touch.
There is no cure for autism, but there are a number of interventions and therapies that can help manage symptoms and improve functioning. With the right support in place, many people with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.
