What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong journey that shapes how people connect with and experience the world, including in adulthood. Recognising the signs of autism in adults can be an empowering first step toward understanding and support. In this post, we’ll walk through a helpful checklist of adult autism traits and explore how a professional assessment can open up meaningful support options. At Aim Forward, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Adult autism symptoms: Checklist
Social connections
- Finds social cues tricky to read, like when it’s time to speak or respond in a certain way
- May face challenges building and maintaining relationships
- Often makes limited eye contact during conversations
- Can find back-and-forth interactions (like taking turns) a bit challenging
- May struggle to recognise and understand others’ emotions
Communication challenges
- Tends to interpret language literally, making sarcasm or figurative speech difficult to understand
- Has a hard time starting or keeping conversations going
- May speak with a flat or monotone tone
- Uses fewer gestures and less non-verbal communication
- Might repeat words or phrases others have said
Sensory experiences
- Sensory responses can vary, feeling heightened or reduced sensitivity to things like sounds, textures, lights, or smells
- Noisy or crowded spaces may feel overwhelming or distressing
- Particular textures or materials might feel uncomfortable or soothing
- May engage in sensory-seeking behaviours like hand-moving, rocking, or seeking deep pressure
Focused interests
- Develops deep, intense interests in specific topics or hobbies
- Has extensive knowledge and expertise in areas of interest
- Conversations may focus primarily on these special interests
- Prefers routines or familiar topics and may be hesitant to shift away from them
Repetitive and predictable patterns
- Engages in repetitive movements, like hand-moving or finger flicking
- Feels comfort in routines and predictable patterns
- May have a strong connection to certain objects or rituals
Transitions and changes
- Finds it challenging to handle changes in routines
- Feels significant anxiety or stress with unexpected changes
Focused interests and activities
- Shows a limited range of interests or activities
- May have unique interests or preoccupations
Planning and organisation
- Finds organising, planning, or managing time challenging
- Struggles to start tasks and see them through to completion
Seeking support and finding solutions for adult autism symptoms
If some of these adult autism symptoms resonate with you or someone you know, a professional assessment and support can be helpful. Aim Forward offers specialised needs assessments for adults, providing:
Thorough, insightful assessments: Our team specialises in understanding autism in adults and provides thoughtful, accurate needs assessments.
Personalised recommendations: We create tailored strategies to help with daily life and increase overall well-being.
Coaching and support access: Beyond assessments, we offer coaching sessions for ongoing, personalised support.