Intro
Just as a rainbow presents itself with a spectrum of colours, autism too, presents itself with a spectrum of symptoms. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood, with symptoms that vary widely across individuals. However, ASD is not solely a childhood disorder. Many adults either grow up undiagnosed or develop symptoms later in life, which can often be difficult to recognise. Are you aware of the signs of adult autism? Here are six of them you should be keeping an eye out for.
Struggling to Understand Others’ Emotions
A prominent signal of adult autism can often be an uphill battle in deciphering the emotions of others. This should not be misinterpreted as a lack of empathy in those living with ASD. Rather, it reflects the difficulty they face in deciphering subtle non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body language or the tones of voice that most people can interpret intuitively. Comprehending when a jest is being made or accurately reading someone’s mood from their countenance can be perplexing tasks. This obstacle in understanding often paves the way for misinterpretations and communication hurdles, causing potential distress for the person grappling with autism.
Experiencing Anxiety in Social Situations
Navigating social scenarios can sometimes feel like traversing a treacherous mountain range for adults with autism. This is another sign of adult autism – the feeling of acute anxiety when placed in social settings. The anxiety stems not just from an inherent fear of negative judgement, but also the constant effort to interpret often baffling social cues.
Such profound discomfort can become so overwhelming that it leads individuals to evade social situations completely. Picture this – you’re asked to solve a complex puzzle, but the pieces just don’t seem to fit, no matter how hard you try. That’s the kind of anxiety adults with autism might feel in a social gathering, where decoding expressions, gestures and tone of voice can be as perplexing as that impossible puzzle.
It’s important to distinguish this intense discomfort from mere shyness or introversion. While the latter may involve a preference for solitude or small gatherings, the anxiety experienced by autistic adults is more deep-rooted. It’s a pervasive unease that can have a profound impact on their daily life and mental well-being. Therefore, understanding and acknowledging this anxiety is crucial for both the individual and their support network.
Facing Challenges in Forming Friendships
A conundrum often faced by adults living with autism is the ability to foster and sustain friendships. Their preference for solitude might be misconstrued as aloofness or indifference, but that’s seldom the case. The real struggle lies in grappling with the complexity of social interactions – like deciphering the meaning behind casual banter, or navigating the fine line between frankness and discretion.
Social dialogue can seem like an intricate puzzle with too many missing pieces, leading to wrong turns, confusion and, quite often, misinterpretation. It’s like standing in the middle of a bustling city, understanding the language but not the colloquialisms, the slang or the unwritten codes of communication.
Imagine trying to understand a foreign film without subtitles – that’s how regular conversation can feel for an individual with autism. They might miss out on the subtle cues that most people grasp naturally, such as the difference between playful teasing and genuine criticism, or the hidden meanings behind certain gestures and expressions. The uncertainty and fear of misunderstanding can make social interactions a daunting experience.
This often results in individuals with autism keeping to themselves, opting for solitary activities where the rules are clearer and more predictable. Consequently, their social circles might be smaller compared to their peers. However, it’s essential to remember that this is not a choice, but a consequence of the challenges they face.
As understanding grows, so too should our capacity for empathy and patience. By learning to accommodate these differences in social interactions, we can help build bridges of understanding and friendship with those who experience the world differently.
Seeming Blunt or Rude in Communication
People with autism often have a distinctive communication style that may be misconstrued as brusque or discourteous. Imagine a conversation stripped of its elaborate veneer of diplomacy and pretence – that’s how straightforward their communication can be. They may not be well-versed with the concept of ‘beating around the bush’ or the usage of euphemisms. Their preference is towards candid, unambiguous dialogue.
However, this clarity can, at times, be misinterpreted as rudeness or insensitivity. It’s crucial to recognise that this is not a deliberate act of discourtesy. Rather, it’s their unique style of engaging, underpinned by a desire for simplicity and directness.
Remember, a person with autism may find it hard to discern the labyrinth of implicit rules that guide our social interactions. This includes the subtle art of tact and diplomacy in communication. So, when someone with autism communicates honestly and without artifice, it’s not a sign of disrespect. It’s simply their way of navigating the often-bewildering world of human interaction.
Learning to understand and accept these differences in communication is a crucial step in bridging the understanding gap between autistic and non-autistic individuals. Empathy, patience, and an open mind can help us appreciate their unique perspective and foster more meaningful interactions.
Taking Things Literally
Does the phrase ‘when pigs fly’ conjure up images of airborne swine for you? Or perhaps you’ve never been sure what to make of ‘letting the cat out of the bag’. If so, you might identify with one of the more commonly recognised signs of autism – the tendency to take language quite literally. This is not limited to an amusing bewilderment over idioms or metaphors; it actually seeps into daily conversations and interactions.
You see, for someone with autism, a statement such as ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ might trigger a look of genuine concern, as they visualise a downpour of domestic pets. Sarcasm may fly over their heads, landing miles away, leaving them bewildered and possibly hurt by the literal interpretation of a sarcastic comment. For instance, if someone jocularly comments, ‘Oh, great job!’ after they’ve accidentally knocked over a glass, the individual with autism may fail to pick up on the sarcastic undertone and feel unjustly criticised.
Understanding when someone is being figurative rather than factual can be a complex and confounding process for individuals with autism. Their preference for straightforward, unambiguous dialogue clashes with the often-cryptic nature of idioms, sarcasm, or figurative speech. This disparity can lead to unintended miscommunication and, on occasion, cause unnecessary distress.
Deciphering the intricate nuances of language is a bit like trying to navigate an unfamiliar city without a map or GPS – it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. Similarly, individuals with autism may feel adrift in a sea of metaphorical phrases and cryptic expressions. Their literal interpretation of language is not a choice, but a way of making sense of a conversation.
As a society, being mindful of this language barrier and patient in our communication can help those with autism feel more at ease. While our colourful language, filled with idioms and metaphors, can be charming, it’s essential to remember that not everyone interprets language in the same way. By showing empathy and adjusting our way of speaking, we can make our interactions more inclusive and less confusing for individuals with autism.
Insisting on Same Routines
One of the more telling signs of adult autism is a marked preference for unchanging, repetitive routines. Picture a fondness for order and predictability so profound that any deviation from the norm can be deeply unsettling. This isn’t your everyday preference for a tidy desk or an organised wardrobe; it’s about following familiar patterns and rituals in everyday life with unwavering precision.
Imagine having the same breakfast every morning, following an exact route to work, or having a rigid evening routine that provides a sense of comfort and predictability. This level of detail extends to the minutiae of their everyday routine – the brand of tea they drink, the time they switch off the lights or even the specific order in which they get dressed. It’s not about being pedantic; it’s about the peace of mind that routine brings.
When this carefully curated routine is disrupted, it can be highly distressing for the person with autism. Envisage how you would feel if you were suddenly teleported into an alien environment with no prior warning or preparation – that’s the level of distress a minor disruption can cause. It’s not about being inflexible; it’s about an inherent need for familiarity and predictability that helps them navigate the complexities of their world. The world can seem less bewildering, less unpredictable when life follows a set script.
Understanding this aspect of autism is crucial in accommodating and supporting individuals with ASD. Patience, empathy, and predictability can help them feel more comfortable and less anxious. By embracing their need for routine, we can contribute to creating an environment where they can thrive. Remember, just as a musical composition relies on a repeating rhythm to create harmony, individuals with autism rely on their routines to create a sense of balance in their lives.