Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAutism Traits in AdultsSelf-Screening TestsProfessional TestsSupport
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Autism Traits in Adults
Self-Screening Tests
Professional Tests
Support
While most people are diagnosed withautism spectrum disorder (ASD)as children, traits ofadult autismare being identified later in life as the condition is better understood. In some cases, the communication difficulties and behaviors previously mistaken for other disorders are recognized as autism traits.
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Signs of Adult Autism
Adults diagnosed with autism are likely to:
With these traits, it’s possible to be an autistic adult with low support needs and not know it. Some people may only suspect autism in themselves after an autistic child is diagnosed, and they notice similarities between their child’s traits, behaviors, or feelings, and their own patterns.
Anxiety and AutismSymptoms of an anxiety disorder often coexist in autistic people. This is especially common inautistic females, whose autism traits may be overlooked or misdiagnosed for a long time.
Anxiety and Autism
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder often coexist in autistic people. This is especially common inautistic females, whose autism traits may be overlooked or misdiagnosed for a long time.
Self-Screening Autism Tests for Adults
Self-screening tools for ASD are questionnaires you can take yourself. Most areavailable onlineat no cost. They can’t confirm an autism diagnosis but they can help you decide if you should see a professional to be formally evaluated. These tests include:
Sample Questions
Examples of online test questions include:
Professional Autism Tests for Adults
Professional autism tests are required for adults to receive an autism diagnosis. Medical professionals trained to identify masking behaviors are best equipped to assess adults. If you notice traits that could be autism-related, contact a professional for an autism test.
These tests can include the following:
Could It Be Asperger’s Syndrome?Asperger’s syndromewas once considered a separate autism-like disorder. However, in 2013, it was folded under the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5. Today, what was once called Asperger’s is often called autism with low support needs.The traits include:Single-minded focus on a single interestPreferring repetition and routine (and not responding well to change)Missing social cues in play and conversationNot making eye contact with peers and adultsExperiencing difficulty with abstract thinking
Could It Be Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndromewas once considered a separate autism-like disorder. However, in 2013, it was folded under the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5. Today, what was once called Asperger’s is often called autism with low support needs.The traits include:Single-minded focus on a single interestPreferring repetition and routine (and not responding well to change)Missing social cues in play and conversationNot making eye contact with peers and adultsExperiencing difficulty with abstract thinking
Asperger’s syndromewas once considered a separate autism-like disorder. However, in 2013, it was folded under the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5. Today, what was once called Asperger’s is often called autism with low support needs.
The traits include:
How Autism Is Diagnosed
In adults, autism can look a lot like other developmental or psychiatric disorders. These often need to be ruled out through the differentialdiagnosis process. For example, autism can most easily be mistaken forsocial communication disorder (SCD).People with SCD struggle with using words and language that match the social context and conversation.
Research has also found it’s not uncommon for someone to have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder along with ASD. For example, a 2019 meta-analysis found that among autistic adults with another diagnosis:
A healthcare provider may consider various additional tests and evaluations depending on what other disorders they suspect.
Diagnosing Autism in ChildrenThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls for autism screenings at 18 months and 24 months of age. Many pediatricians begin observing children during well-care visits to ensure they meet developmental milestones.The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers & Young Children (STAT) is a common evaluation tool.
Diagnosing Autism in Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls for autism screenings at 18 months and 24 months of age. Many pediatricians begin observing children during well-care visits to ensure they meet developmental milestones.The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers & Young Children (STAT) is a common evaluation tool.
Finding Support for Autism as an Adult
For some people, going through the process of getting an adult autism diagnosis can be stressful. Getting support during this time and after diagnosis may help.
Connecting with autistic people in your local community may help you feel less alone and empower you to be your own advocate, speaking up for yourself and your needs.
Summary
Diagnosing autism in adults can be tricky. People who weren’t diagnosed as children are likely to have mild autism traits that they’ve unknowingly learned to cover up or manage.
That said, there are plenty of autism traits and behaviors a person may be aware of, such as trouble navigating social interactions and extra sensitivity to smells or touch.
People who suspect they may have an autism spectrum disorder can screen themselves using free questionnaires found on the internet. But to get an actual autism diagnosis, it’s necessary to see a mental health professional.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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