Adults

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition and some people with autism spectrum disorder are not diagnosed until they are adults. This could be because they fall into the higher functioning range of the autism spectrum and their symptoms are less severe, or because they were misdiagnosed with a condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.

Although treatment can improve some outward symptoms, people with autism will always process sensations such as sound, sight, touch and smell in different ways.

Autism is a spectrum condition, which means that adults will have different experiences of day-to-day living. An adult with mild symptoms, who is towards the higher functioning range of the autism spectrum, may:

  • Have difficulties with social interactions
  • Avoid making eye contact
  • Not understand nonverbal facial or body gestures, such as frowning or shrugging
  • Not understand changes in tone of voice, such as sarcasm
  • Be comforted by rules and routine
  • Get upset at changes to routines
  • Be under- or over-sensitive to loud noises, strong smells or tastes
  • Engage in repetitive behaviors, such as pacing or hand flapping
  • Have a narrow range of interests
  • Have a good memory and recall of facts

An adult who is towards the lower functioning range of the autism spectrum may:10252627

  • Never communicate verbally, or have only limited verbal skills
  • Need assistance with everyday living, such as bathing and dressing
  • Engage in repetitive behaviors, such as rocking
  • Insist on rules and routine
  • Become extremely distressed at changes to routine
  • Need specialized diets

Employment may present a challenge for adults with autism. People with autism are likely to need adjustments to be able to work productively, such as lights that do not flicker or a quiet space to work in.

One common sign of autism spectrum disorder in adults is anxiety. Signs of anxiety can include:

  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Racing heart
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Constant thoughts about worst case scenarios
  • Depression

Adults with autism spectrum disorder may also experience meltdowns.