Adult Asperger's Syndrome: indicators and manifestations
Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how individuals make sense of the world, process information, and interact with others. It is now considered part of the broader ASD, according to the DSM-5 classification, and is often referred to as "high-functioning autism" or "mild autism."
Autistic adults may exhibit a range of signs and symptoms, primarily revolving around social and behavioural challenges. These can include social awkwardness, difficulty understanding back-and-forth conversations, missing social cues, and presenting as uninterested or not paying attention during interactions. Adults with Asperger's may unintentionally dominate conversations by focusing excessively on their own interests.
Another common symptom is the difficulty in understanding jokes, sarcasm, and figurative language. This can cause confusion with common idioms or sarcastic remarks. Challenges in making and keeping friends are also prevalent, due to limited social reciprocity and difficulty reading others' emotions or perspectives.
Repetitive behaviours, routines, and rituals, and strong, intense interests in narrowly focused topics, often pursued with deep knowledge and enthusiasm, are also common. Sensory sensitivities or sensory overload can manifest as discomfort with certain sounds, textures, or environments. Struggles with empathy and perspective-taking can impact their ability to understand and respond appropriately to others' feelings.
Autistic adults may also have sensitivity to bright lights, certain sounds, textures, and may avoid clothing with itchy fabric, tags, or seams, which influences the type of foods they choose to eat. Issues with motor coordination are common, causing differences in a person's gait or difficulties with fine motor skills that make tasks such as writing or buttoning clothing difficult.
Some autistic adults have trouble making or maintaining close friendships due to difficulties in communicating with others or processing others' emotions. Depression is a common co-occurring disorder, and it may occur as a result of difficulties in a person's personal or professional life.
Getting a diagnosis of ASD as an adult can be challenging due to the development of strategies for masking the signs and symptoms from others. Mental health professionals may use diagnostic tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition (ADOS-2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale, second edition (SRS-2) to help diagnose autism in adults.
It is important to note that Asperger's syndrome is essentially a subset or milder form of ASD, marked by social difficulties, restricted interests, and difficulty with social cues, but without significant cognitive or language delays seen in some other forms of autism.
Understanding Asperger's syndrome in adults can help in fostering empathy, promoting acceptance, and providing support for those living with this condition. If you or someone you know shows signs of ASD, it is advisable to seek help from a doctor who can make a referral to a mental health specialist for further evaluation and advice.
- Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong developmental disability that impacts various aspects of an individual's life.
- It is now classified as part of the broader ASD under the DSM-5 and is often referred to as "high-functioning autism" or "mild autism."
- Autistic adults may display social awkwardness and struggle with understanding back-and-forth conversations.
- They might miss social cues and appear uninterested or not attentive during interactions.
- Adults with Asperger's often dominate conversations by focusing excessively on their own interests.
- A common challenge is understanding jokes, sarcasm, and figurative language, leading to confusion with common idioms and sarcastic remarks.
- Challenges in making and keeping friends are widespread due to limited social reciprocity and difficulty reading others' emotions or perspectives.
- Repetitive behaviors, routines, and rituals, and strong, intense interests in narrowly focused topics are also common.
- Sensory sensitivities or sensory overload can cause discomfort with certain sounds, textures, or environments.
- Struggles with empathy and perspective-taking can impact their ability to understand and respond appropriately to others' feelings.
- Autistic adults may be sensitive to bright lights, certain sounds, textures, and may avoid clothing with itchy fabric, tags, or seams, which influences their food choices.
- Issues with motor coordination are common, causing differences in a person's gait or difficulties with fine motor skills.
- Difficulties in communicating with others or processing others' emotions may impede the formation and maintenance of close friendships.
- Depression is a common co-occurring disorder, often stemming from difficulties in personal or professional life.
- Getting a diagnosis of ASD as an adult can be challenging due to the development of strategies for masking the signs and symptoms from others.
- Mental health professionals may use diagnostic tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition (ADOS-2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale, second edition (SRS-2) for diagnosing autism in adults.
- Asperger's syndrome is essentially a subset or milder form of ASD, characterized by social difficulties, restricted interests, and difficulty with social cues.
- Understanding Asperger's syndrome in adults can lead to empathy, acceptance, and support for those living with this condition.
- Seeking help from a doctor who can make a referral to a mental health specialist is advisable if you or someone you know shows signs of ASD.
- Besides ASD, autistic individuals may experience other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular health issues.
- The importance of workplace-wellness programs and medical-conditions accommodations in the workplace cannot be overstated for promoting a healthier and supportive work environment for autistic adults.
- In addition to seeking therapies and treatments, opportunities for education and self-development, personal growth, career development, job search, and skills training are crucial in helping autistic adults thrive in various aspects of their lives.
