Autism Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting how a person communicates and interacts with others. Most patients with this condition are diagnosed in childhood. 

Autism Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting how a person communicates and interacts with others. Most patients with this condition are diagnosed in childhood. 

However, some people with autism spectrum disorder reach adulthood without being diagnosed or having access to services and support for their condition. Consequently, it’s important to understand autism traits in adults. 

Adult Autism Symptoms

Common symptoms and signs of autism in adults include: 

• Discomfort with direct eye contact
• Difficulty regulating emotions 
• Trouble understanding the facial expressions and body language of others
• Repetitive behaviors
• Especially high skill or ability in a specific field like mathematics 
• Trouble making conversation
• Inability to develop or maintain close friendships
• Difficulty understanding sarcasm or figures of speech
• Desire to arrange items in a particular order
• Extreme interest in a specific topic
• Talking frequently and excessively about a favorite subject 
• Sensitivity to sounds or smells that don’t bother others
• Speaking in a flat, monotone voice
• Social anxiety 
• Strong preference for established daily routines and difficulty dealing with change

An adult with autism may not experience all the autism spectrum symptoms above. And they may have learned to mask or cope with certain behaviors, making it challenging for them or others to identify their condition. 

Adult Autism Diagnosis

There’s no definitive test for reaching an adult autism diagnosis. Healthcare providers typically use one or more common diagnostic tests, including ADOS 2 Module 4, 3Di Adult, and ADI-R.

If you think you or a loved one may have adult autism, a good starting point is doing an autism self-assessment. These online tests can’t confirm or rule out an adult autism diagnosis, but they can provide insight into the possibility of an autism spectrum disorder. 

If you do an adult autism self-assessment and the results support a diagnosis, you should talk with your primary care physician. They can determine if you have an autism spectrum disorder by taking actions that include:

• Talking with you about your symptoms
• Observing and interacting with you
• Talking with your friends and family (with your permission)
• Looking for other physical or mental health causes of your symptoms

Your doctor may also refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for additional testing. 

Why Being Diagnosed with Adult Autism Can Be Helpful

Being diagnosed with autism as an adult can be beneficial in several ways, including:

Your diagnosis can help explain the challenges or struggles you’ve experienced. 

You may gain access to essential services and support. 

Identifying your condition can help your family, friends, employer, and others better understand your actions, preferences, etc., and align their behavior and expectations accordingly. 

An adult autism diagnosis may replace a previous, incorrect one or bring to light co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety. 

• Your diagnosis can give you a better sense of self-identity and prompt you to learn more about your disorder.
• Getting a diagnosis may encourage you to connect with others facing the same challenges.

Learning you have an autism spectrum disorder can empower you to engage with the world around you more comfortably and successfully. 

Talk with Your Baptist Health Physician About Adult Autism

If you feel you may have autism as an adult, contact your primary care doctor. They can diagnose your condition and help you find the resources you and your loved ones need to respond effectively to your challenges.