Signs of Autism in Undiagnosed Adults

Introduction

Many adults have undiagnosed autism. Increased autism diagnosis in adults and awareness in children have led some adults to reflect on their own experiences. They might now see signs of autism they missed earlier.

In this post, we’ll explore seven often unnoticed signs of undiagnosed autism in adults. Understanding these signs can improve self-awareness and support.

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition. It simply affects how a person interacts with others and processes information. While children are often diagnosed early, many adults remain undiagnosed due to limited awareness.

This guide could help identify key indicators of autism in yourself or someone you know.

1. Difficulty in Social Interactions

One of the hallmark signs of undiagnosed autism in adults is difficulty navigating social situations. Adults on the autism spectrum often:

• Struggle to understand social cues.
• Find social interactions draining.
• Avoid social settings or prefer solitude.
• Appear socially awkward or eccentric.

These challenges come from differences in how autistic people understand and respond to the small details in conversations.

2. A Strong Need for Structure and Routine

Autistic adults often rely heavily on routine and structure to manage their day. This can manifest in two ways:

• Highly organized behaviour: A rigid adherence to daily plans.
• Chaotic behaviour: When routines are disrupted, leading to disorganization or executive dysfunction.

Having a clear structure reduces unpredictability, making everyday life easier to manage.

3. Sensory Sensitivities or Insensitivities

Sensory processing differences are another common sign of autism. Adults with autism may experience:

• Sensory sensitivity: Overreaction to bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.
• Sensory insensitivity: Higher pain tolerance or difficulty with spatial awareness.

For example, clumsiness or an intense preference for deep pressure can stem from sensory processing challenges.

4. Spiky Skill Sets

Autistic adults often have a spiky profile of strengths and weaknesses, excelling in certain areas while struggling with others. For example:

• Exceptional talents in any particular field, like math, art, or technology.
• Difficulty with basic tasks like remembering dates, navigating apps, or following recipes.

This imbalance often sets autistic individuals apart, leading to misunderstandings about their capabilities.

5. Emotional Regulation Challenges

Meltdowns, shutdowns, and withdrawal are common responses to overwhelming situations for autistic adults. These emotional regulation issues include:

• Sudden outbursts (meltdowns).
• Periods of complete disengagement (shutdowns).
• Temporary withdrawal from social interactions.

Understanding these behaviours is key to recognizing and supporting autistic individuals.

6. Unusual Associations or Mental Jumps

Autistic adults often make unique mental connections that may seem random or unconventional to others. Examples include:

• Associating unrelated ideas, such as connecting “banana” with “space station.”
• Taking language literally or focusing on obscure meanings.

This trait sparks creativity but can also create communication challenges.

7. Feeling “Different” from Others

Many autistic adults describe a lifelong feeling of being “different.” This could manifest as:

• Being the “odd one out” in social situations.
• Feeling misunderstood despite trying to fit in.

This unique perspective is a hallmark of autism, though it can sometimes feel isolating.

Conclusion

Recognizing signs of autism in adults can help one better understand oneself. Consider seeking a professional evaluation if these traits resonate with you or someone you know.

Autism diagnosis in adults often involves taking an autism test specifically designed for adults. Repetitive behaviours and other symptoms of autism can be key indicators to look out for. Building connections within the autism community can be a great source of support.

Explore related topics on our blog to discover more about autism and mental health. Empower yourself with knowledge and embrace self-discovery.