The autistic spectrum in adults has overlooked symptoms, experts warn

One in 36 children in the United States has autism, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but many do not learn that they are in the spectrum until adulthood.

Those who grow without diagnosis may experience symptoms that are overlooked or misunderstood.

According to Autism Speaks, one in 45 adults in the United States is diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), a non -profit national organization for autism consciousness.

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Although there is a current increase in the defense and education of autism, it is likely that there are “many adults” who never received a diagnosis or were erroneously diagnosed, says the organization with the headquarters in New Jersey on its website.

If you think you or someone you love can be in the spectrum, this is how autism can be in adults.

Common characteristics

ASD is defined by challenges with social communication and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors, according to the American Psychiatry Association.

Some “distinctive autism seals” in adults, as highlighted by autism, speaks include feeling uncomfortable in social situations, having difficulty understanding the feelings or thoughts of others, preferring to be alone, fighting to make friends and have problems understanding social rules.

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Some signs of verbal and nonverbal communication may include fighting with visual contact, responding in a “forceful way” or taking things literally.

Repetitive or restrictive behaviors, such as following the same routine every day, noticing small details that others do not, and having “very intense and specific interests”, are also signs of potential autism, according to the same source.

Adults with autism may not show all the characteristics, and behaviors and interests can change with age.

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Important changes in life, such as university movements, professional transitions or changes in the state of the family (such as marriage, births, divorce or death) can make symptoms change.

‘Masking’ to fit

“Masks” is a term used in the community of Autism to describe the way in which an autistic individual hides the symptoms to “fit” and avoid attracting attention in social situations.

Some autistic people choose to mask to avoid bullying, keep friends and succeed at work or school, says Autism.

It is possible to mask without even recognizing that it is happening, since some people adopt “subtle stuff behaviors”, such as the use of restless toys.

I imitate speech or body language of others during a conversation is another form of masking, along with forcing visual contact or facial expressions, which may feel unnatural.

Masking can help autistic adults navigate daily interactions, but research has shown that it can have negative effects on mental health, since it can lead to feelings of isolation and exhaustion, reports autism.

Gender differences

It has been found that autistic girls and women are more socially adaptive than boys and men with disorder, which makes them mask more likely.

Symptoms can vary widely from one person to the next.

Centers for disease control and prevention have reported that autism is approximately three times more common in boys than in girls.

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Alisha Simpson-Watt, a licensed clinical worker, behavior analyst certified by the Board and founder of ABA’s collaborative services, said that masking often begins in childhood and can be “so entrenched that it feels like a second nature.”

This can lead to many women not to be diagnosed until adulthood.

“Cultural expectations also play a role, since girls are often socialized to be more complacent, emotionally expressively or socially tuned, which can further obscure the signs of autism,” said the expert based in Connecticut to News Digital.

Road to the diagnosis

ASD is a spectrum, which means that symptoms can vary widely from one person to the next, Simpson-Watt said.

“While the central characteristics remain the same, there are differences in social communication and repetitive behaviors,” he said. “How the present characteristics may differ among individuals.”

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Recognizing the “spectrum diversity” is key, Simpson-Watt emphasized. “Autism does not look the same in everyone, and understanding this can help more adults to obtain support and validation they need.”

For adults who believe there may be not diagnosed autism, the expert said it is important to “trust their instincts” and consider obtaining a formal evaluation.

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“Start talking to your primary care doctor or consult your insurance provider for a list of qualified professionals who diagnose autism in adults,” he advised.

“Note that some insurance plans may have age -related restrictions in the coverage of autism evaluations, so it is useful to start the process as soon as possible.”