Uncovering the Common Traits of Autism: Could You Be on the Spectrum? – And How to Seek Diagnosis

Businesswoman Natasha Nelson has always been aware that she stands out from the crowd.

The individual from Stone Mountain, Georgia, who is 35 years old, faced challenges in setting social standards.

She struggled with casual conversations and couldn't grasp why individuals bothered with tasks such as tidying up the bed.

She was diagnosed with autism In 2023, shortly after her youngest daughter received the diagnosis.

Currently, Nelson is urging individuals to pursue assistance. diagnosis If they also believe, or have long suspected, that they might fall within the autism spectrum.

"If your entire life seems like an endless chaotic mess, leaving you feeling uneasy and unthriving as you merely survive—constantly jumping from one situation to another—what do you really have to lose?" asked Nelson.

Typical indicators of autism encompass difficulties in social communication and an intense focus on specific routines or subjects — as Nelson mentions, "individuals have turned into my special interest nowadays" — which might not be readily apparent during one’s early years.

However, obtaining an autism diagnosis as an adult can be expensive and challenging because there is a scarcity of healthcare providers specialized in diagnosing adults. Below is additional information regarding what you ought to understand concerning adult autism assessments.

What does autism entail, and at what age is it typically identified?

Autism spectrum disorder encompasses various cognitive, linguistic, and social challenges, such as adhering strictly to routines, exhibiting fixed or repetitive interests, and finding it difficult to maintain eye contact or grasp non-verbal cues. This condition usually comes to light in early childhood, with the American Academy of Pediatrics advising screening for all children at around 18 months old.

What explains the rise in adult diagnoses of autism?

In recent years, more adults have been seeking understanding about their own neurodiversity—often following the diagnosis of their children or after encountering related content on social media platforms. According to a study released last year in JAMA Network Open, there has been a significant rise of 452 per cent in autism diagnoses for adults aged between 26 and 34 from 2011 to 2022.

Certain characteristics of autism might not be recognized until later in life, particularly when faced with increased social expectations during adulthood. Some individuals could have developed strategies to conceal specific actions, often referred to as masking.

“Over time, adults have developed coping mechanisms,” explained Whitney Ence, a psychologist at the University of California San Francisco who specializes in working with autistic adults. “They might have figured out strategies such as ‘I cannot show this in public, so I express it privately instead.’”

There's also a similarity in symptom presentation among different conditions like ADHD and OCD This can make diagnosing autism challenging because of issues related to understanding non-verbal social signals or dealing with aspects of executive function such as maintaining focus, managing working memory, and solving problems.

What are the signs of autism in grown-ups?

Symptoms Present themselves uniquely for each individual, and numerous characteristics are shared with those who do not have autism, such as appreciating routines or delving into extensive amounts of information.

However, for an individual to be diagnosed with autism according to the criteria, the symptoms must result in considerable functional challenges, explained Dr. Arthur Westover, a psychiatrist specializing in autism at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

We're all humans essentially. We enjoy routines... finding some enjoyment and feeling better through routines doesn’t necessarily imply you have autism," Westover stated. "There’s more to it than that.

Russell Lehmann, who is 34 years old, has been living with his autism diagnosis for over two decades. As a motivational speaker, he maintains certain routines which provide him solace but can also be taxing. He finds ease in consuming the same meals and purchasing identical groceries regularly. However, missing his daily one-and-a-half-hour workout at the gym triggers overwhelming sensations of sadness and inadequacy within him.

It's as though there's no gym, no specific day," he remarked. "... My regimen feels like an immensely existential weight, since each evening I lie down with the knowledge that I must follow a routine I despise just to get through daily life.

What is the process for getting a diagnosis?

Although numerous online screening tools exist, autism is a intricate condition; thus, specialists suggest consulting your primary healthcare provider for a referral to a psychiatrist.

The psychiatrist could seek to speak with individuals who were around during your early years, such as family members and close friends, who may confirm that signs of these issues were evident back then.

Certain psychiatrists might direct you to a psychologist, who could administer a recognized diagnostic test for autism or rely on their professional judgment. No brain imaging scans or blood tests currently exist for diagnosing autism.

Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult may involve significant expenses and delays. According to Westover, there is a severe lack of professionals specializing in autistic adults. In Nelson’s case, obtaining her diagnosis required three years and over $3,000 in personal costs.

ENCE also recommends reflecting on several questions when contemplating seeking a professional evaluation, acknowledging that you might encounter delays: "What factors are guiding me towards thinking about needing an official assessment? Is accessing specific services necessary for me? Are there particular resources currently unavailable to me?"

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