But he would tell you that it’s a stretch to call him ‘high-functioning’ in all contexts, at all times and places.” Will is a highly intelligent, highly verbal autistic man who is gainfully employed. … At home, Will’s autism is a clear disability. … At home, Will struggles to keep his apartment clean and to keep up with paying his bills. Will struggles to keep up with the conversation when it moves to topics outside of his intense interest in modern art. 'After work, however, is a different story.

He feels that his autism is an asset on the job because modern art is a particular passion (or special interest) of his, he voraciously learns all he can about the topic and the various works around the museum. For example, a person who struggles in one area may be highly capable in another.ĭavid Kearon, director of Adult Services at Autism Speaks, presents the following scenario to convey an example of adult autism: “’Will’ works as a docent at a modern art museum. The term “high functioning autism” is sometimes problematic for people with ASD because autism encompasses a comprehensive spectrum of behaviors and abilities. Being able to learn and remember things in great detail.Being more or less sensitive than others to sensory input such as light, noise, and clothing textures.Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine.Having difficulty with back and forth conversation.While not everyone with ASD has the same symptoms, some main symptoms of ASD, according to Carolina Wellness Psychiatry in Chapel Hill, N.C., are: Adults who learn later in life that they have autism most likely had autism as a child and were not aware of the symptoms or the label. They simply do not want to learn for certain that they have ASD. Plus, undiagnosed autism in adults is often due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

Many adults do not obtain an official diagnosis, partly because during their early years their caretakers and teachers did not recognize or understand the signs of autism. Regarding ASD, Healthgrades informs that while the symptoms of autism almost always appear in childhood, often before age 2, they are not always recognized. Healthgrades, a resource for finding area physicians and hospitals based on individual need, provides information on diagnosing autism in adults.

“Some may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.” “The ways in which autistic people learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged,” shares ASNC Director of Communications David Laxton. And, because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges, notes ASNC.

Instead, there are various subtypes, determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. An estimated 5,437,988 (2.21%) adults in the United States have ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Īdult autism is not a clear-cut condition. Raleigh, N.C.-based Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) offers that adult autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is characterized by a range of social skill challenges, including repetitive behaviors and nonverbal communication.

Autism spectrum test online