Autism Symptoms in Adults – What to Look For and How to Help
What are autism symptoms in adults like? Autism in adults can be a tricky thing. Traditionally, adults with autism often get left behind because the vast amount of services for those with autism are for children, especially focusing on early intervention. But adults with autism need services too, and they are quite lacking. In fact, some people with autism are not even diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum disorders until they are older.
What Autism Symptoms in Adults Should You Look For?
Maybe you have a co-worker or friend who seems really smart, but very socially awkward. A friend who's had a string of entry-level jobs that he never seems to be able to keep, despite being very smart. A friend who makes a lot of social faux pas, always seems to say the wrong thing and hangs around the edge of the office Christmas party. You hear about autism and higher functioning kinds of autism like Asperger's syndrome, and you start wondering – could they have it?
Autism symptoms in adults are similar to ones in kids, but you just have to adjust a little for the time that adults have had to compensate for their difficulties. In other words, not all symptoms may seem obvious, as adults may have learned to overcome some of them, but they are still autistic.
Additional Autism Symptoms in Adults
Adults with autism probably won't look you in the eye, or else they will stare. They may fidget a lot, look at their hands, and seem rather anxious. Trouble making conversation is common. They may blurt out seemingly random statements about special interests of theirs, especially facts. "Did you know that there are 339 dimples on a golf ball?" is one possible example.
Many Adults with Autism Have Never Been Diagnosed
It is possible for an adult to go most of their life without being diagnosed as autistic. This is because some of them are quite smart despite their deficiencies, and have managed to work around their challenges.
They may often be stuck in dead-end jobs and wondering why they can never quite succeed like everyone else, though. They are probably wondering why things are so hard for them and perhaps writing themselves off as a "screw-up." Diagnosis can improve self-esteem as well as getting them services to improve their lives.
Adults with Autism and Depression
Adults with autism, especially ones that aren't able to work, often have trouble with depression. It is hard to find meaning in life sometimes when you have so many challenges.
The best way to beat depression is to get involved with something. Volunteer somewhere. Read books to kids at a kindergarten. Find a non-profit that could use your help. Learn how to cook, or take up photography as a hobby. Join a social group that is related to your interests. The point is, when you are engaged, you are less likely to think about what is making you depressed.
Adults with autism who have the proper supports can be an asset to the community. Autism symptoms in adults are not hard to spot if you know what to look for.
Hopefully, with early identification and early treatment, life can be a little easier for those with autism and the people who love them. But for those who were never diagnosed, there is always time and hope. Even adults can benefit greatly from communications and social skills therapy. For additional tips and suggestions that can help your loved one live a fulfilling and happy life see The Autism Survival Guide.
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I enjoy and appreciate the information, anything to help my son and my own understanding of what life is like for Nicholas. It also helps me educate my son's teacher and EA which this process is ongoing and at times very frustrating.
My name is Matt Turner from Australia. I have a 6 y.o. with autism (fairly mild). I found your work insightful and helpful - my wife is a doctor and spent many hours wading through medical texts to no avail. Our son Finley Turner is a very bright, friendly, healthy, unconditionally loved boy who can lose it sometimes. The guide helped us understand what to do and it helps him as much as us. Thanks for the work and I have recommended you to other parents in similar situations.
I found your articles to be extremely helpful...I applaud you for sharing your story and helping others who are going through similar situations. Thank you for sharing your story.
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I definitely found your information helpful. My grandson was just diagnosed this summer. He is very smart and sweet. We will continue to be an advocate for him thanks to your information. I am including a picture of him. 
"Hi my son of 3 and a half years was diagnosed today, I had concerns so prior to his appointment I researched it and joined your newsletter. The information was so helpful and very supportive it was almost like having a counselor as I opened each email I felt like some one really understood my situation so thanks you so much for that, it's a very hard thing to accept and you do feel alone but with the letters I was given inspiration and hope that not everything was going to be doom and gloom it was and still is a lifeline.
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I have been reading your Newsletter for a while now. Find attached a picture of my family. Joel is the little boy in glasses. Thanks for putting a smile on me. My knowledge and support is increasing. I feel more positive towards helping my son than ever.
I am Ben's grandmother and see him every single day. He is a joy. What your info does is help us to understand the melt downs that quite frankly we have always put down to the meds that he takes. We have proved your theory of a strict regime for Ben. Each letter adds to our knowledge. Keep it up dear friend. We learn from you every day and will I am sure continue to learn. God Bless you.
17. April 2012 at 9:42 am
My daughter is almost 35 and has had problems interacting with others all her life. She has never had any kind of diagnosis, but after seeing a therapist for her OCD she is now hopefully going to be referred for autism testing as the therapist said she couldn’t help her because of all her other problems. She is very depressed at the moment, and since moving into her own bungalow has lost 5 stone in weight due to stress at having to cope with everyday life on her own. I do hope that they finally diagnose her and that she gets the help she deserves – it has been hard on the rest of the family over the years and obviously her!
29. December 2011 at 3:27 pm
I am 38 years of age and i am questing rather I have some form of autism. I have always had problems with my reading and writing, and often switch letters in my spelling but I managed to finish university. I notice that I have always had social problems such as starting conversations and eye contact and if I do look into eyes I generally stare. Most of the time I find human behavior strange. I have many talents including the ability to use both of my hands, I love music and have a great sense for sounds and voices. Does this sound like some kind of autism? Thanks and look forward to hearing from you.
Katina
25. August 2011 at 5:22 pm
since i have 2 autistic children to take care of i am so frantic to get them out of the spectrum. The eldest is almost 21, within the spectrum, and the youngest, turning 18, is within the boundary. I cannot afford therapy. Quit my job just to attend to them.
Did autism made my life miserable? Yes, I was so angry with it. A question “why this syndrome stole my dream of having successful sons in this lifetime. And I made a decision of being an over-comer. I started focusing in eliminating their health problem. the eldest is suffering from respiratory asthma and the youngest is skin asthma. Eliminated flavoring, coloring and preservative from their diet. Feed them with everything that is fresh in the market everyday and made them drink lots of water. When the sickness was eliminated, I felt good. It gives me a hope to go on. Change their vitamins from capsulized to liquid form. Assuming that their stomach has difficulty to absorb. add mineral supplements. and now, physically, they are perfectly normal. next step was working on their mental development. but first, i also have to fix myself. thank you for reminding me that i have to focus on how to make them contented and happy in their present condition.
There is so much to do and very overwhelming but the best news is i am enjoying the challenge. Praise God for the renewing of my mind to explore the arena of autism. The Hope of making my children happy is already a success story. The Joy of the Lord will be our strength.
26. August 2011 at 9:02 pm
Hi, I like your outlook on autism,sounds like you doing everything possible that you can.I’m learning about the environmental part of things.