While children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are frequently discussed, what about adults who have lived with undiagnosed autism?
Being autistic and being unaware of it is a real possibility, particularly for people who were raised before the spectrum was well understood.
Let’s examine a few indicators that you may be autistic. Understanding these indicators might be the first step toward becoming self-aware and, if necessary, seeking support. As they say, “knowledge is power.”
Having Trouble Adhering to Basic Social Conventions
Do you find social circumstances more difficult than those around you? Individuals with autism spectrum disorders may fail to recognize social signs such as body language or sarcasm, which can result in miscommunication.
If you find it hard to hold conversations or feel uncomfortable in social situations, it might be something to look into more.
Excessive Involvement in Hobbies
Having one or more strong interests is one of the characteristics of autism. While hobbies are prevalent among people, people on the spectrum may interact with their interests at a level or intensity that is unusual for other people.
This could be an indication if you have a passion that takes up a lot of your time and thoughts to the point where you are an authority on it.
You Always and Must Adhere to a Regimen at all Times
Another possible sign of autism is a strong need for predictable routines. For those on the spectrum, alterations to routines or departures from usual patterns can be very upsetting.
If you find solace in consistency and experience anxiety or upset when your routines are disturbed, there may be a more serious problem at hand.
Overly Susceptible to Light or Sound
A common symptom of autism is increased sensitivity to sensory information. Loud noises, bright lights, particular textures, or strong flavors might cause discomfort or even agony.
It may indicate autism if you have always been more sensitive to these sensory stimuli than other people.
Social Interaction Wears You Out
Ultimately, if you find yourself feeling especially exhausted after social encounters, there may be a more serious cause. The effort it takes for autistic people to negotiate social situations that don’t suit their natural tendencies sometimes results in “social burnout.”
Identifying these indicators in oneself can be illuminating and even reassuring, providing meaning for emotions and actions that have long seemed unfathomable. If any of these symptoms seem familiar to you, think about getting a professional assessment.
Knowing where you fall on the spectrum means more than just naming differences; it means accepting who you are and developing coping mechanisms to make life easier. Recall that there is a spectrum of autism and that every person’s experience is different.
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