Autism in adults: what are the causes and what are the symptoms?

Autism is a mental disorder characterized by communication difficulties and limitations in forming relationships with other people. Symptoms of autism generally arise and are recognized in childhood. However, social difficulties are also common in adults. Then, does this mean that we can also contract autism as soon as we grow up?

Is autism possible in adults?

For someone to be said to have an autism disorder, symptoms of autism such as difficulty speaking and communicating must have existed in the person since he was a child or even younger.

Autism cannot appear on its own or be acquired when a person is past their growing period. So if someone suddenly has trouble communicating and social behavior disorders during late adolescence or adulthood, it is not autism.

But the symptoms of autism can be detected too late

Symptoms of autism basically have appeared and developed since childhood, but can be disguised because the symptoms may not appear completely. Symptoms of autism in adulthood can be recognized when the demands of life that are faced have exceeded the capacity of the person with autism. Symptoms of autism also tend to disguise the unique behavior of each individual that is learned as we get older.

Autism in adolescents can be disguised because the behavior and emotional patterns typical of adolescents tend to fluctuate due to puberty. Puberty generally causes a normal teenager to feel overwhelmed or confused about adapting, but in people with autism, this can have a more serious impact that can lead to anxiety disorders and depression.

However, those diagnosed with new autism as adults tend to be able to work and live independently on their own terms. This is of course closely related to the level of their intelligence and skills to communicate with their surroundings. Low intelligence levels make adults with autism need more help to be able to communicate fluently. Adults with autism who can live independently and be successful in their profession generally have a level of intelligence that is above average.

Signs and symptoms of autism that appear in adults

Determining the symptoms of autism in adults is more difficult because of their behavior patterns and behaviors that have been formed from their life experiences. There are a number of special characteristics that adults with autism exhibit. But keep in mind that the presence of some of the following signs in a person does not mean that he has autism.

Have a few friends

People who have autism have language difficulties also exhibit unique behaviors that are not normally displayed by normal adults, so they tend to withdraw from other people.

Limitations in language

Language limitation is characterized by difficulty having a conversation, finding words to express their needs, and difficulty processing a thought.

Interruption of interest and attention

Symptoms of autism in adults can be characterized by a lack of interest or liking, but they have very deep knowledge of a very specific area, such as aviation, mechanics, word origins, or history and tend to have a very difficult time expressing interest in things. other.

Trouble finding a partner

This is due to difficulty communicating properly and not being able to understand non-verbal language or the intentions of other people's gestures.

It's hard to empathize

Autism causes them to tend to find it difficult to understand the feelings or thoughts that other people have, so they have difficulty blending in with the social environment.

Susceptible to sleep disorders

This can be triggered by anxiety and mental cognitive disorders such as difficulty concentrating, regulating emotions and depression.

Interruption of processing information

Autism causes the sufferer to be unable to respond to external stimuli such as the movement or sound of other people speaking, or other things such as sight, smell, and information given from the surrounding environment.

Repetitive behavior patterns

Adults with autism can repeat things they do for a longer time than normal people for a matter of days. This causes them to socialize and communicate less.

Too dependent on routine

Autism in adults causes them to be very strict about their routine to the smallest detail and do the same things over and over every day, so they are reluctant to try new things. They also tend to dislike activities that require them to travel to new places, try new foods or restaurants. Sudden changes to their schedule or routine make them feel uncomfortable.

What can be done to treat the symptoms of autism in adults?

Until now, autism has no specific treatment. However, there are several things that can be done to minimize the chances of developing autism symptoms in adults. This can be done with a series of therapies such as special education for individuals with autism, behavior modification, and therapy for social skills and abilities. Adults with autism may also need medication for anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, or other sedatives to prevent them from harming themselves.