Autism Awareness in Adulthood: Signs of Autism in Adults and Tips for Seeking a Diagnosis
- WPA Therapy
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
A common misconception about autism is that it’s a condition that only impacts children: in reality, many adults also experience autism and can go undiagnosed for years. This is partly due to outdated stereotypes about what adult autism symptoms "look like" and how symptoms can present in adults.
April marks Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise autism awareness across all ages. In this article, we’ll break down common signs of autism in adults, the pros and cons of getting diagnosed, and how to navigate the process. Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or someone you care about, raising autism awareness is the first step toward acceptance and support.
Understanding Autism in Adulthood
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world around them. While autism is often recognized in children, adults may have spent years masking their traits (i.e., consciously or unconsciously adapting to social norms to fit in). This can make adult autism symptoms harder to identify.
Autism presents differently from person to person. Some autistic adults may struggle with social interactions, while others have intense focus on specific interests or experience sensory sensitivities. Because symptoms vary widely, many people don’t realize they are autistic until later in life.
Gender differences also play a role in late diagnosis. Autism is often underdiagnosed in women and nonbinary people, as they may be socialized to develop stronger masking techniques or present symptoms differently than traditional diagnostic models expect.
Recognizing the Signs of Autism in Adults
Many autistic adults go through life without realizing they are on the spectrum. They may have developed coping mechanisms to blend in, been misdiagnosed with other conditions, or simply assumed their challenges were personal quirks.
Review the following adult autism symptoms and see if you recognize these signs in yourself or those you know.
Social and communication differences
Social interactions can feel confusing or exhausting for many autistic adults. They may struggle with unspoken social rules, have difficulty maintaining conversations, or prefer structured discussions over casual small talk.
Difficulty understanding social cues, sarcasm, or unspoken rules
Struggle with small talk or maintaining conversations
A preference for deep, structured discussions over casual socializing
Discomfort with eye contact or interpreting facial expressions
Sensory sensitivities
Autistic adults often experience sensory input more intensely or less than others. They may feel easily overwhelmed in loud environments, have strong preferences for certain textures, or rely on routines to create a sense of stability.
Heightened or reduced sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or textures
Feeling overwhelmed in crowded or noisy environments
Strong food aversions, preferring to stick to a few specific “safe” foods
Special interests and rigid thinking patterns
Many autistic adults develop deep interests in specific topics, sometimes to an expert level. Their thinking may be highly logical and structured, making abstract concepts or figurative language harder to grasp.
Intense focus on specific topics or hobbies, often to a deep or expert level
Preference for structured, logical problem-solving
Difficulty understanding implied meanings or figurative language
Strong need for routine and predictability, leading to distress when plans change
Masking and burnout
Managing emotions and mental health can be challenging for autistic adults, especially in social or unpredictable situations. Many experience anxiety, exhaustion from masking, or difficulty regulating emotions.
Challenges with emotional regulation, sometimes leading to shutdowns or meltdowns
High levels of anxiety, especially in social situations
Burnout from masking autistic traits in daily life
Seeking a Diagnosis for Adult Autism Symptoms
For many adults, discovering they may be autistic brings a mix of emotions—relief, curiosity, and sometimes uncertainty. While some find that seeking a formal diagnosis provides clarity and access to support, others may feel that self-identification is enough. The decision to pursue a diagnosis is deeply personal, influenced by factors like cost, accessibility, and personal goals.
Pros of seeking an autism diagnosis
For many, receiving a formal diagnosis brings clarity, validation, and access to helpful resources. It can help reframe past experiences and lead to greater self-acceptance.
Self-understanding and validation: A diagnosis can explain lifelong challenges and strengths, reducing feelings of isolation.
Access to support and accommodations: Workplace adjustments, therapy, and peer support groups may become more accessible.
Better mental health management: Understanding that struggles stem from neurodivergence rather than personal failure can reduce anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Stronger self-advocacy: A diagnosis can help people communicate their needs more effectively in relationships, work, and daily life.
Challenges and considerations in seeking a diagnosis
While many find a diagnosis empowering, the process isn’t always easy. Some may weigh the potential drawbacks before pursuing a formal evaluation.
Stigma and misunderstanding: Some people face skepticism from family, employers, or even medical professionals who don’t recognize autism in adults.
Cost and accessibility: Autism assessments for adults may not be covered by insurance and can be difficult to access, with long wait times and limited specialists.
Emotional impact: While some feel relief, others may experience grief over missed support earlier in life.
No guarantee of support: Depending on location and circumstances, a diagnosis may not always lead to accommodations or services.
Seeking a diagnosis is a deeply personal decision. Some people find self-identifying as autistic without a formal diagnosis to be enough, while others benefit from formal diagnosis and confirmation. The bottom line is that you must make the decision that’s right for you with regards to a formal diagnosis.
Additional Resources for Adult Autism Awareness
If you suspect you may have autism, you may feel unsure of what to do next. Consider taking some of the following steps:
Self-assessment: Take online autism screening tests and reflect on your past experiences, such as communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and routines.
Consult a specialist: If you decide to pursue a diagnosis, reach out to a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing autism in adults, particularly someone familiar with late diagnoses and diverse presentations.
Connect with others: Participate in forums or social media groups focused on adult autism to learn from others' journeys, ask questions, and find support.
If you're looking for more guidance, these resources can help:
Online self-screening tools: Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test, RAADS-R
Advocacy organizations: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Embrace Autism
Books on adult autism: Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price, NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman
Therapy: Reach out to our therapists at Westmoreland Psychotherapy Associates for support with better understanding your past experiences and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
