Functioning with Autism as an Adult
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that influences how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world. ASD is characterized by a wide range of autism symptoms, including challenges with social communication, repetitive behaviors, and unique sensory sensitivities. Because this disorder is a spectrum, each person experiences these traits differently, with varying levels of severity and support needs.
According to recent data, autism spectrum disorder asd affects about 1 in 45 adults in the United States, highlighting that autism is not just a childhood condition but continues throughout the entire life. For many adults, receiving a formal autism diagnosis can be a pivotal moment, offering clarity and opening doors to support, reasonable accommodations, and a greater sense of self-understanding.
Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Getting the Necessary Support
In being classified as a spectrum disorder, no two diagnoses of autism are exactly alike. Nonetheless, each diagnosis will fall under one of three levels of severity as established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5):
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Level 1: Requiring support
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Level 2: Requiring substantial support
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Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
Individuals on the autism spectrum will generally face some combination of challenges involving:
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Reading social cues
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Communicating effectively (verbally and/or nonverbally)
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Obsessive interests and/or behaviors
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Coping with changes in procedure or environment
But what about individuals classified as “high functioning?” Aspects of these individuals’ behavior may seem “off,” but they may otherwise be able to sustain a relatively independent lifestyle. In these cases, ASD may not be properly identified until early adulthood. This most commonly occurs with Asperger’s Syndrome, a type of autism that:
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Disproportionately affects males (almost four times as frequently)
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Does not impair the ability to verbalize completely (as more severe forms of autism can), but it can significantly impair social interactions
An individual with Asperger’s often displays an obsessive interest in a specific subject or area of expertise, which may compromise a conversation’s natural ebb and flow. The person may speak in an overly formal manner and lack awareness of the volume and intonation of speech. The individual can also lack the ability to interpret sarcasm or figures of speech, which may cause confusion or distress. Furthermore, someone with this condition will often adhere to a strict set of rituals or routines, as any disruption of which may cause great distress.
Because Asperger’s can sometimes overlap with other conditions or be confused for obsessive-compulsive behavior or simply social awkwardness, it sometimes evades detection until adulthood, when major life changes like starting high school or college provoke a strong reaction.
At ECCM, we work with individuals of all ages to help them find purpose and fulfillment in their lives. Adults with autism can achieve great feats in logic-based fields such as mathematics and computer science, and can display a natural knack for music. To qualify for ECCM’s autism supports coordination, an individual must have been diagnosed before 22 years of age; otherwise, we can help him or her apply for an Adult Autism Waiver.