Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed not only in children but in adults as well.
Even in adulthood, receiving a diagnosis can greatly improve the situation for persons with
Autism, regardless whether they have learned to manage their signs and symptoms or are still
struggling. Over the years, Autism awareness among adults has grown, and access to
diagnosis and treatment is now readily available.
What are the signs of Autism in adults?
ASD signs and symptoms vary from one person to another, but these are more noticeable in the
following areas:
- Social interactions
· Difficulty in maintaining close relationships
· Having a hard time reading social cues
· Inability to accurately read the thoughts or feelings of others
· Difficulty controlling emotions/feelings
· Social anxiety - Verbal and nonverbal communication
· Poor understanding of sarcastic and idiomatic remarks
· Struggle in making conversation / keeping up with discussions
· Avoiding eye contact
· Challenges in using nonverbal cues like hand movements and facial expressions to
communicate
· Limited interests and preference for solitary activities - Repetitive behaviors
· The need to constantly arrange items in a specific order
· Avoiding changes in familiar routines
· Accustomed to making involuntary noises like repeated throat-clearing
Some research about ASD has shown that men are more prone to be diagnosed with this life-
long condition than women. It was discovered that this may be because women are good at
echoing socially pleasing behavior and better at repressing behaviors that fit under the three
indicators mentioned above.
Living with an ASD diagnosis
Confirmed: You’ve been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Now the question is: How
can you manage and live your life as an autistic adult?
The realization that one may be autistic, whether a child or an adult, is a bitter pill to swallow. It
is quite challenging, but every ASD-diagnosed adult possesses strengths and skills to draw
upon. A high-functioning autistic (not a medical term but often used informally) can function well,
keep a job, and carry out everyday tasks without the assistance or supervision of others.
The following are some tips and advice that can help one cope and thrive better when
diagnosed with ASD:
· Embrace your uniqueness. You have skills and abilities that help you rise above the
challenges in life.
· Find common ground with the people you are working with. Establishing rapport and
connection can bring relaxed and entertaining conversations.
· Stay active. Getting into an active lifestyle such as regular exercise, gardening, or
dancing can help manage anxiety and depression, both of which are symptoms of
ASD.
· Consider joining a support group. Reaching out and joining ASD-specific groups is one
approach to building a social support network. You may also discover that interactions
with other people with ASD are less stressful and much easier than with other social
groupings.
· Indulge in some relaxation techniques. Sometimes, the anxiety level of people with
autism is too much to bear, thus practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation,
deep breathing, self-massaging, muscle relaxation, and visualization helps to lessen
anxiety symptoms.
· Consult a therapist. Seek help from mental health professionals for additional in-depth
guidance and advice to help you understand your situation. Although there are no
medications that can cure ASD, some drugs can help treat symptoms associated with
the disorder. At Arbor Wellness, we can walk you through it to help you cope better
with, and better understand, ASD.