Signs of Autism in Adults

Many autistic adults feel that social interaction is hard work and something that they have to put a lot of mental effort into, especially when interacting with less familiar people.

You might notice that you:

• Have always felt ‘on the outside’ of social groups, or feel you have never fitted in
• Feel anxious about or avoid social situations, especially with unfamiliar people or large groups of people
• Find it difficult to work out what others are thinking or feeling, or what they expect from you
• Rehearse conversations in your head before having them
• Revisit conversations you have had, wondering if you said the right thing or worrying how you were perceived
• Prefer to be alone rather than with others, or only like being around a few people you feel comfortable with
• Find social chit chat difficult, preferring to discuss specific subjects or areas of interest
• Often find yourself copying other’s behaviours or mannerisms
• Feel exhausted or drained after social interaction, needing alone time to recover

The way in which social interaction difficulties affect someone can vary; some people prefer to avoid interaction at any cost, while others enjoy interacting with familiar people but need to factor in time alone to manage this.

Autistic adults often have a communication style that is more direct and honest, though past experiences may have caused you to change your style of interaction through copying or rehearsing.

You may have experienced:

• Confusion when people speak figuratively or use humour and sarcasm
• People telling you that you have been rude or blunt when that was not your intention
• Not understanding why people do not always appreciate a truthful answer
• Finding eye contact uncomfortable, or you have to try to remember to look toward someone, because that is what is expected
• Feeling distracted when others use gestures or facial expressions

Negative experiences in relation to communication can cause significant anxiety and can also lead to masking and camouflaging behaviours.

Many autistic adults prefer predictability over spontaneity and prefer structure and clear expectations.

You may find that you:

• Undertake certain tasks in the same way, and like things to be ‘just so’
• Become anxious when there is a change to your usual routine
• Need to plan and prepare for out-of-the-ordinary events
• Become irritated when people are late, change plans at the last minute, or surprise you
• Struggle with uncertainty, preferring clear plans and expectations

Major changes in life, such as moving home, starting a new job, having children, having a new manager, or the death of a loved one, can often be overwhelming for autistic people.

Many autistic adults find themselves in a flow state when engaging in their interests, with their mind focused on that interest rather than full of anxious thoughts.

You may find yourself:

• Having a hobby or interest that absorbs your time and makes you feel calm and regulated
• Spending a significant amount of time researching and learning facts about certain topics that interest you
• Becoming so focused on an interest or activity that you can easily forget to eat or drink
• Collecting items, which bring you pleasure through looking at them or organising them

For some autistic people, focused interests are expressed in their jobs or careers or are the drivers behind educational and career choices.

Sensory processing differences can include finding sensory information anxiety-provoking, overwhelming or irritating or finding sensory activities calming and soothing.

You may experience:

• Feeling overwhelmed in busy, crowded places
• Feeling irritated or annoyed by specific sounds or repetitive sounds
• Being sensitive to bright lights, strong smells or extreme temperatures
• Certain fabrics irritate you
• Finding comfort from touching certain textiles or being wrapped in heavier blankets and clothing

Sensory processing difficulties can impact someone in and out of work, and can cause significant difficulties in day-to-day life.