Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how a person thinks, interacts, and responds to the world. Signs often appear early, but many people are not diagnosed until later in life—especially if they learn to mask or compensate. If you're trying to understand whether you might be on the spectrum, these common signs can help. Each one includes real-world examples to make it easier to relate.

These signs are based on current research from the CDC, NIMH, and other clinical sources. They are not a diagnosis but can help you decide whether to seek professional evaluation.

1. Social Interaction Feels Confusing or Exhausting

People with autism often struggle with unspoken social rules. You might not understand when to speak, how to keep a conversation going, or how to recognize sarcasm or facial expressions.

Example: You might miss cues like someone wanting to end a conversation or feel drained after casual socializing.

2. Need for Routine and Predictability

Disruption to daily patterns can be stressful. You might need things done in a specific order or become upset when plans change.

Example: You always take the same route to work and feel anxious if traffic forces a detour.

3. Deep Interests That Border on Obsessions

People on the spectrum often focus intensely on specific topics. These interests can be lifelong or rotate, but they're usually pursued with great depth.

Examples: Trains, space, languages, computer code, maps, or collecting detailed facts about a TV show.

4. Sensory Sensitivities

You may be highly sensitive (or under-sensitive) to lights, sounds, smells, textures, or tastes.

Examples: Finding fluorescent lights overwhelming, only wearing soft clothes, hating certain food textures, or not noticing pain easily.

5. Delayed or Unusual Communication Styles

Speech may have developed late, or you might speak in a flat, robotic, or overly formal way. Some adults report they were described as "little professors" as kids.

Example: Using complex words at a young age but struggling to hold casual conversations or interrupting often without realizing.

6. Literal Thinking and Difficulty With Abstract Language

Understanding jokes, metaphors, or sarcasm might be hard. You might interpret things very literally.

Example: Hearing "pull yourself together" and wondering what the person means physically.

7. Repetitive Behaviors or Movements

Repetitive physical actions or mental habits can be soothing or necessary to self-regulate.

Examples: Rocking, hand-flapping, tapping fingers, repeating phrases (echolalia), or repeating routines in exact order.

8. Trouble With Eye Contact or Facial Expressions

Avoiding eye contact or using limited facial expressions is common. It’s not rudeness, but a way to reduce sensory overload or discomfort.

Example: Looking away during conversation because direct eye contact feels invasive or distracting.

9. Struggles With Identity or Masking

Many people on the spectrum “mask” their natural behaviors to fit in, leading to burnout or identity confusion. This is especially common in women and AFAB individuals.

Example: Imitating how others speak, rehearsing conversations in advance, or mimicking gestures just to blend in.

10. Difficulty With Play or Shared Interests in Childhood

In early years, autistic children may not engage in pretend play or group games in a typical way.

Example: Lining up toys by color instead of acting out stories, or preferring solo play over group interaction.

Other Common Traits to Consider

• Clumsiness or unusual gait
• Strong reactions to injustice or strict rule-following
• Emotional meltdowns or shutdowns, especially under stress
• Feeling "different" since childhood but not knowing why
• Comfort in being alone but not necessarily lonely

How Autism Shows Up Differently in Adults

Autism in adults often presents differently than in children, especially in those who were never diagnosed early. Adults may develop coping strategies that hide their traits, such as mimicking social behavior, scripting conversations, or choosing careers that avoid constant interaction. Many discover they are autistic after a child is diagnosed or through online communities.

When to Seek Help

If several of these signs resonate strongly with you or a loved one, consider talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in adult autism.

Diagnoses are often done through:

• Developmental history
• Behavior checklists (like the RAADS-R or AQ)
• Interviews with family or caregivers

Early or late, a diagnosis can help you access support, build self-understanding, and connect with communities that share your experiences.

Final Thoughts

About 1 in 36 children are now diagnosed with autism, and many adults remain undiagnosed. Autism is not a disease or deficit. It's a different way of experiencing the world. Understanding your brain can help you build a life that suits how you work, connect, and thrive.

Need support?
If you're in Colorado or nearby and seeking autism-focused therapy, Achieving Stars Therapy offers home-based ABA services for children with Medicaid coverage, family training, and school collaboration. They’re trusted by the Autism Society and use a respectful, strength-based approach for faster, meaningful progress.

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