Unmasking Autism: Adult Diagnosis and the Journey to Understanding

Comorbidity City

There are many adults with autism, but they just don't know it yet. Part of the reason is what we're going to bring out in the next few minutes. I was diagnosed as autistic as an adult, and there were reasons it was missed in my childhood. Let's talk about that.

According to the DSM-5-TR, the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder include persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. These can be misconstrued. For example, I don't have problems having conversations; I just hate small talk. During testing, I realized I prefer direct communication and can talk for ages about topics of keen interest.

Deficits in non-verbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction is another criterion. This ranges from poorly integrated verbal and non-verbal communication to abnormalities in eye contact and body language. For instance, I'm not a big fan of eye contact; it feels like a threat. People who know me understand I'm listening even if I'm not making direct eye contact.

Maintaining and understanding relationships can also be challenging. I don't have many friends, and I often don't maintain relationships because they don't align with my interests. It's not about being adverse to relationships but rather not wanting to engage in activities that don't interest me.

Restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities are also part of the diagnostic criteria. This can include stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech, insistence on sameness, highly restricted interests, and hyper or hypo activity to sensory input.

Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities. This means you might have had symptoms as a child, but they weren't noticeable until social pressures increased.

Autism can exist without intellectual or language impairments. It's important to understand that you can be highly intellectual and still be autistic. The severity levels range from requiring support to substantial support.

If you think you might be autistic, it's okay to get checked out. Advocate for yourself and bring your concerns to your doctor. Remember, it's not about just feeling different; it's about understanding and managing your unique experiences.