six signs you might be undiagnosed autistic
What is Austism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects cognition, social interaction, communication, and behavior. While some people are diagnosed with autism in childhood, others may go undiagnosed until later in life. In fact, it is estimated that about 1 in 100 adults in the United States may be on the autism spectrum without knowing it. Diagnosis can be extremely difficult for adults, as autistic masking can be effective enough to subvert obvious signs.
If you're an adult who is wondering whether you might be on the autism spectrum, here are some signs to look out for:
1. Difficulty with social interactions
People with autism may find it challenging to initiate or maintain social interactions, such as making eye contact, interpreting social cues, or engaging in small talk. You may feel uncomfortable in social situations, avoid social events, or struggle to make friends. At times, this can simply manifest as not even wanting to maintain friendships. For example, if you may be comfortable in defined roles, such as your role at work, and find a hard time bridging the roles of "coworker" and "friend," as the expectations are very different.
2. Sensory issues
Many people with autism have sensory processing issues, which can manifest in a variety of ways. You may be sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, certain textures, or strong smells. This is because our bottom-up processing doesn't allow for "filtering out" smaller details; an annoying song will not be "tuned out," but will continue to be annoying for its entire duration. Alternatively, you may seek out sensory stimulation, such as spinning, rocking, or flapping your hands. The movements of adult autistics are generally more subtle than in children, and may look like fidgeting in order to maintain attention on a speaker.
3. Narrow but powerful interests
People with autism often have a strong interest in a particular topic or activity. You may spend hours researching or talking about your favorite subject and have difficulty switching your focus to other topics. You may also have repetitive behaviors, such as lining up objects or following rigid routines. In fact, if you find yourself researching autism for a few months, wondering if you could be autistic, that very act can likely answer your question.
4. Difficulty with transitions
Changes in routine or unexpected events can be challenging for people with autism. You may become anxious or upset when plans change or struggle to adjust to new situations. You may also have difficulty with time management, prioritizing tasks, or completing tasks on time. These symptoms can overlap with ADHD, and it's worth noting that some researchers estimate that 80% of autistics are also ADHD.
5. Communication difficulties
People with autism may have difficulty with both verbal and nonverbal communication. You may struggle to express your thoughts and feelings or understand others' perspectives. This may not be because you are a poor communicator or an inarticulate person; it can simply mean that you are overly specific with word usages and have a tendency to express your feelings in a literal way. That makes it sound like you would be understood, but the Neurotypical world is not built around that type of logic, but rather a colloquial form of interaction that centers around metamessages rather than direct messages.
6. Executive functioning issues
Executive functioning refers to the set of cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, and carry out tasks. People with autism may struggle with executive functioning, which can make it difficult to complete tasks efficiently, prioritize tasks, or manage time effectively. Again, consider this a central overlap in the Venn diagram between autism and ADHD; working memory can be impaired and simulation models used for decision making don't pop up quickly, making you impulsive in action. Also, you're unlikely to get a dopamine reward for performing tasks that are not interesting to you.
Did you see yourself here?
If you identify with some of these signs, it's important to remember that everyone experiences autism differently, and a diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional. However, if you think you might be on the autism spectrum, there is a lot to be said for understanding your own lived-experiences and being able to self-diagnose. Read about autism and join online communities to see if you find yourself fitting into this neurodivergent tribe.