What to Do If You Think You Have Autism as an Adult

The CDC estimates that nearly 5.5 million adults in the United States have autism. But while most of us associate autism with children, the fact is that there are likely millions of autistic adults both diagnosed and as yet undiagnosed. Some people receive late diagnoses, and others don’t receive any diagnosis at all. 

We have a few tips on what to do if you’re an adult who believes your autism undiagnosed and now you'd like to pursue your options.

Do You Have Autism?

Many adults face specific types of challenges with no idea what’s behind their difficulties. From relationships to social situations to handling sensitivities, many say they have always felt like they were strange or different from others. Some may be living in suspicion that there's "something different" but they aren’t sure how to confirm what their gut has been saying for a long time. Maybe a therapist has mentioned it, or a friend or they might know someone with a new diagnosis and realize they're a lot alike and suddenly, they start to wonder. So what to do?

Early Adult Autism Exploration

There are many online tests and guides that can help push someone who is suspicious they may be autistic in the right direction and answer some early questions, but the only way to pinpoint autism with certainty is to see a qualified professional.

According to PsycheCentral, many adults who do finally receive a diagnosis find it comes as a relief. Knowing there’s a reason behind their difficulties can make coping a little easier, and a firm diagnosis can open doors to numerous treatment options. So it may be worth the exploration, though some adults are satisfied to know that they think they are autistic and then move on.

Finding Resources for Adult Autism Diagnosis

Making the decision to reach out can be difficult enough, but finding the right resources can be just as hard. ASAN, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network can help. This is an organization in which autistics advocate for themselves, versus the controversial and well-known organization in which autistics are not at the heart of the organization but rather the parents of autistic children are. May adults find this distinction helpful (and troubling).

It's also worth a special note here that the newest research has revealed that women may be particularly underdiagnosed as they frequently specialize in something called masking which can aid them in portraying their symptoms differently and therefore hide it from those around them. Women interested in seeking diagnosis may need to perform additional research and may want to locate resources specifically geared toward their needs.

Managing Autism as an Adult

Sometimes, if an adult has learned to navigate their world well enough already, just being diagnosed and knowing that there are real reasons for their choices is enough to help them navigate. But for others, diagnosis may be the first step toward seeking assistance and trying to improve their experiences in the world. Vocational therapy, which offers educational and volunteering opportunities, may be helpful. But so, too, might be talk therapy as it offers emotional support to the adult now navigating something that is identity changing and potentially world-rocking. Gaining new lenses through which to see the self is no small thing and having support for that experience can go a long way toward maintaining wellbeing.

Autistic adults may also be surprised to learn they can request resources and assistance from their employers or universities if needs be, also. Hours adjustments, teaching accommodations, or things to help manage the sensory overload that comes from these spaces are all infinitely more manageable once we find help and receive support. At an employer, it's Human Resources that can help and at the university, it's the disability services office. 

Autistic Identity for Adults

Beyond therapy, people with autism and Asperger’s might be able to increase their sense of wellbeing and personal control in other ways. Mindfulness techniques like meditation may improve outlook and quality of life. Seeking out peer support may also help. Children with autism have shown great social and emotional improvements from the simple act of caring for a pet, so it stands to reason pets might be just as helpful for adults. There are several ways to reach out that don’t require a doctor.

But many adults find that just accepting their new identity and learning to embrace it through learning and seeing the best parts of the situation are a huge help in moving forward in a positive way. Other autistic adults find that they are most empowered when they can reach out and help autistic kids to get the help they wish they'd had as kids themselves. Empowered adults empower others, and we're all better for it.

Autism can have profound effects on a person from early childhood through their adult life—there'sno doubt about it. And undiagnosed autism throughout childhood can have disastrous consequences for people as they feel out of place and just wrong throughout their lives. Delayed diagnosis can worsen those effects, leading to depression, difficulties functioning effectively and even suicide attempts. But finding out that there was a cause all along for the struggle can go a long way toward building confidence and comfort in those who were left behind as kids. Adults who believe they have autism can almost certainly improve their quality of life by either embracing the new identity and finding a path to radical self-acceptance or even through seeking out a diagnosis and exploring therapy options.

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