Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
The number of Americans living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to rise. In fact, there are now about one million adults in the United States living with ASD. This represents a growth of nearly 25% since 2010. While it’s still rarer among children than it is among adults, the prevalence of ASD among young adults is increasing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most recent data show that approximately 3 out of every 100 American adults has ASD. But what does ASD look like in adulthood? What challenges do people with ASD face? And how can we help them overcome those challenges?
In this video, Dr. Andrew Adesman, director of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and author of “Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Practical Guide,” discusses some of the characteristics of ASD in adults, including communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, social impairments, and sensory sensitivity. He also talks about the benefits of early intervention and why everyone — parents, teachers, doctors, and others — needs to know about ASD.
Dr. Adesman explains that while ASD can impact anyone, it tends to manifest itself differently in each person. Some people with ASD develop into highly functioning adults; others struggle with significant limitations in daily life. However, he says, no matter where someone falls on the continuum, everyone with ASD deserves access to quality care and support.
Main signs of autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. ASD affects about one out of every 88 children in the United States. Most people with ASD are diagnosed during childhood, although some develop symptoms later in life. Symptoms typically begin around age 2 and continue throughout adulthood.
There are several different types of ASD. These include Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett syndrome. Each type of ASD has unique characteristics. For example, people with Asperger Syndrome tend to have fewer autistic traits than those with PDD-NOS.
The most common signs of autism in adults are difficulty communicating, finding relationships, and having trouble managing money. Other symptoms include:
• Difficulty understanding what someone else is saying;
• Trouble reading facial expressions;
• Problems remembering things;
• Lack of interest in conversations;
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about one person out of every 68 children under age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In adults, symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to detect. However, there are some telltale signs you might notice in yourself or someone else. Here are three things you should know about ASD in adulthood.
- You may experience difficulty communicating with others.
People with ASD tend to have problems processing information and making sense of what others say. They may have trouble reading facial expressions or body language. This makes it hard for them to understand how others feel and respond appropriately. People with ASD may also have trouble learning new skills, such as speaking another language or playing sports.
2. You may have trouble focusing.
Some people with ASD have difficulties staying focused on tasks. Others have trouble switching attention from one thing to another. These issues make it difficult for them to complete activities like driving safely, working on projects, doing homework, or following directions.
3. You may exhibit unusual behaviors.
Many people with ASD don’t seem “normal.” For example, they may have repetitive routines or rituals, such as constantly touching objects or repeating certain phrases over and over again. Some people with ASD have trouble controlling their emotions. Others have trouble sleeping, eating, or maintaining relationships.
Some children with autism are very verbal. They can talk about what’s happening in the world around them. Other children with autism aren’t so interested in talking. They prefer to use sign language or other ways of communicating.
What causes autism?
Autism is a complex disorder that has many different causes. The exact cause isn’t known. But there are some factors that increase your risk of developing autism:
Genetics. Your genes play an important role in whether you develop autism. If both parents have autism, there’s a higher chance that their child will too. If only one parent has autismYour genes play an important rolein whether you develop autism. There’s also a strong genetic component to the severity of symptoms. Children with more severe symptoms may be at greater risk for other problems such as intellectual disability and epilepsy.
How do I know if my child has autism?
If you think your child may have autism, it’s best to get help right away. Early intervention can improve outcomes for children with autism. It can also prevent further development delays.The first step is to see your doctor. He or she can perform a physical exam and order tests
Other signs of autism
Autism is one of the most commonly diagnosed developmental disorders. There are many different types of autism spectrum disorder (ASDs), including Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and others. Autism affects how someone communicates, interacts with people, and makes decisions. While there are no known cures for ASDs, early diagnosis and treatment can help improve outcomes.
There are several ways to tell whether a child might have ASD. A parent or caregiver can look for certain symptoms, such as repetitive behavior, unusual speech patterns, lack of social skills, and difficulty understanding what others mean. If you think your child could have ASD, it’s important to talk to his doctor about diagnosing him. Your pediatrician can ask questions and perform tests to determine if he meets criteria for an ASD. He or she can refer you to a specialist if needed.
While some children with ASD show obvious differences, others don’t. Some children with ASD are able to learn and develop normally while others struggle academically and socially. Early intervention can help children with ASD gain skills and overcome challenges.Resources and Services for Adults with Autism
There are many resources out there for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Some are free, some are paid, and others are offered by nonprofit organizations. Here are just a few of the options available to help you find what works best for you.
Books
Autism Spectrum Books — These books cover topics such as self-advocacy, employment, relationships, and parenting. They are written specifically for people with ASD.
Autism Self Advocacy Network — This book covers everything from how to advocate for yourself to how to advocate for change.
