What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Often confused with other developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder is a group of developmental disabilities that can present challenges in social interactions, behavior and communication.
Individuals diagnosed with ASD may encounter problems when communicating or interacting with others, or they may exhibit restricted or repetitive behaviors.
ASD isn’t an illness. People with the condition differ from others in the way they learn, pay attention and interact with people. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have strong, meaningful relationships and a high quality of life. Often, individuals with autism simply need a little more help developing social skills or dealing with life transitions that interrupt or change the flow of their daily life.
This condition is known as autism spectrum disorder because people experience a wide variation in symptom types and severity. It affects people of various economic backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and races.
What Are Some Signs of Autism in Adults?
While autism in adults presents various signs, more common signs include:
- Struggling to understand how others think and feel
- Feeling anxious about social situations
- Struggling to make friends
- Preferring to be on their own
- Being regarded as blunt or rude without meaning to offend
- Taking things too literally
- Having the same daily routine and getting upset and anxious should it change
Other signs of autism in adults include:
- Struggling to understand social cues from other people
- Avoiding eye contact with others
- Invading the personal space of others without realizing
- Noticing small details that others miss
- Having a particular interest in a certain subject or activity
- Needing to plan things carefully
- Struggling to make conversation with others
- Struggling to regulate emotions
- Experiencing hypersensitivity to sounds and smells
Not everyone who has ASD experiences the same symptoms. While some may only have some symptoms, others may have more.
What Are Some Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Adults?
Many live their entire lives without realizing they have autism. Others have been diagnosed but find they can live independently. In this case, they may have high-functioning autism.
While not an official term, high-functioning autism describes people with ASD who can handle simple life skills without problems. They struggle with various symptoms, and others may view them as being different.
While some people with high-functioning autism can retain a job, others can’t. Signs of high-functioning autism in adults may include:
- Hypersensitivity to stimulation
- Struggling to pick up on social cues
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Difficulty remaining organized
- Struggling to control emotions
- Difficulty with back-and-forth conversations
Benefits of Autism Spectrum Counseling for Adults
Autism spectrum counseling for adults allows those with ASD to express their concerns, thoughts and feelings. Designed to help improve communication skills, ASD counseling can help adults live happier and healthier lives. We also work with children and teens who have autism.
At Get Centered Counseling, Coaching and Wellness, we offer a wide variety of mental health services for adults, teens and kids, as well as work/life balance coaching. Contact Get Centered today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help you live your best life.