Signs of High-Functioning Adult Autism and Why it is Helpful to Know

High-Functioning Adult Autism and Why You Would Want to Know

At some point we begin to ask, "Why do we have so many children with allergies, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? When I was in school we never heard of this." The truth is, that these have always existed but we didn't identify them or have names for them. Children suddenly got sick and maybe even died for unknown reasons. Children with mild autism or ADHA were likely considered problem children. Children with severe autism were likely considered special education children, developmentally disabled, or may have been institutionalized.

As an adult, some of us may look back on our lives and wonder if we didn't have these conditions as children and possibly still struggle with them today. By now we've been able to identify allergies but ADHD and autism are less identifiable. This article talks about the signs of high-functioning adult autism and why it might be helpful to identify this in ourselves.

Here are some common signs of high-functioning autism in adults:

• Social communication challenges:
  • Difficulty understanding social cues, such as body language and facial expressions
  • Trouble making and keeping friends
  • Difficulty with small talk and reciprocal conversation
  • Tendency to take things literally
  • Difficulty expressing emotions

• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors:
  • Intense interest in a few specific topics
  • Need for routine and sameness
  • Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as hand-flipping or rocking
  • Repetitive thoughts such as phrases, lyrics, or musical passages
  • Difficulty with transitions or unexpected changes

• Sensory sensitivities:
  • Over- or under-sensitivity to certain sensory input, such as sounds, lights, textures, or smells
  • May lead to anxiety or discomfort in certain environments

• Other possible signs:
  • Difficulty with organization and planning
  • Trouble with emotional regulation
  • May have a history of developmental delays

It's important to note that autism is a spectrum condition, and these signs can vary widely from person to person.Additionally, some of these signs can also be present in people without autism. If you're concerned that you or someone you know may have autism, it's important to seek a professional evaluation.

Knowing that you have high-functioning autism can be incredibly helpful in a number of ways. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Self-understanding and acceptance: A diagnosis can provide a framework for understanding why you experience the world the way you do. It can help you make sense of past challenges and experiences, and it can also help you to accept yourself for who you are.
• Validation and reduced self-blame: Many adults with undiagnosed autism struggle with feelings of inadequacy or feeling like they are "different" from others. A diagnosis can provide validation for these feelings and help to reduce self-blame.
• Improved relationships: Understanding your own autistic traits can help you to communicate more effectively with others and build stronger relationships. It can also help your loved ones to better understand you and your needs.
• Access to support and resources: A diagnosis can open doors to various support services and resources, such as therapy, support groups, and vocational rehabilitation.
• Advocacy and self-advocacy: Knowing your diagnosis can empower you to advocate for your needs in different settings, such as at work or in school.
• Personalized strategies and coping mechanisms: Understanding your specific autistic traits can help you to develop personalized strategies and coping mechanisms for managing challenges and maximizing your strengths.

Overall, knowing that you have high-functioning autism can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. It can help you to live a more fulfilling and authentic life.

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I hope this is helpful but please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts.

Sincerely Yours,
Jay

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