The doctor shares often overlooked symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adults. Frequently misunderstood ASDs are manifested differently for each individual, with many of the The features can be easily disguised or exchanged for personality eccentricities, anxiety, introversion or other psychological conditions – leading to frequent incorrect diagnoses or non -diagnosis. Stated.
While Autism is normally associated with child behavior, such as difficulty in eye contact or favoring loneliness, the reality is much more complex. U Adults can I will not be discomforting in polite conversations about common things, especially on social occasions, thinking of “everything or nothing”, mirroring and the like.
The accredited psychologist and founder of NOS Curare, Dr. Bijal Chheda-Varma, worked intensively with neurodigent individuals. She has now emphasized seven overlooked symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
The expert says Many autistic individuals develop deep interests in specific topics or activitieswhich are often referred to as hyperfixing or “special interests”. They go far beyond common hobbies. In fact, they can absorb everything and become the main focus of their daily thoughts and energy for months, even years.
In these cases, it may seem impossible to move their attention to other important tasks. Although this intense concentration can sometimes be stunning, it encourages their curiosity and creativity.
Subjects of interest can reach from pop culture to historical events or even specialized topics such as trains and dinosaurs. They can spend hours a day by losing research or organizing a collection of commemorative items.
Many autistic individuals referred to as “masking” are adapted to social situations by hiding the characteristic behavior of the failure and instead mirrors others. From imitating ancidation, acquisition of certain phrases or even replication of body language, autistic individuals use this strategy to look “neurotypical” in the eyes of their peers and society.
Between Other ways that autistic people mask include suppressing their true emotions or pretending to understand certain things. This may be aware of or unconscious way to try to merge or avoid attracting unwanted attention.
However Those who mask show higher signs of anxiety and depression, leading to stress, burnout and even loss of identity. Proper treatment of autism can help individuals safely to dismas and develop management strategies.
Thinking “all or nothing”
Autists often struggle with “black and white thinking”, also known as polarized patterns of thinking. That means that They can categorize situations, people, ideas and emotions into two categories: strictly correct or incorrect, with a small space for gray areas.
For example They can interpret a sudden change in facial expressions only as happiness or anger or consider a small mistake as a complete failure. That is why in many cases autistic people can show rigid moral codes or in some cases unhealthy perfectionism. This makes it difficult to orientation in social situations, especially if people show behavior that is simply “good” or “bad”.
Many autistic people find comfort in structure and predictability because it helps them to cope with sensual overload and avoid possible social stressors. So much that unexpected changes usually change their entire day. Everyday routine habits can go from traveling to work the same way, re -watching your favorite TV shows or the need to do the same bedtime rituals.
Choose eating is also a frequent manifestation of this symptom. Well -known meals give them a sense of security, while the idea of testing new foods can bring them to a panic attack. Where most people enjoy a certain level of routine in their lives, autistic people feel Intensive need for consistency. Any disturbance of their routine is a great cause of anxiety and anxiety, as sudden changes can be difficult to process.
Discomfort in normal conversations
While neurotypical people can handle informal conversations about weather, weekend plans or everyday life, for individuals with mild to moderate autism, these talks are They may seem nonsensical or even stressful. They can Prefer deep, specific discussions – especially their current hyperfixations. A common conversation tends to exhaust and often confuse them, because in these cases they have trouble knowing about “right” things.
In addition, their normal conversation usually leads to masking – the act of imitating other people’s social behavior to fit. This may include forced smiles or rehearsing general answers, which can exhaust them.
On the other hand, individuals with heavy autism may need more support because they tend to have problems with verbal communication, eye contact or conventional social interactions. However, they can also respond in other ways, such as gestures, body language or auxiliary communication devices.
Sensory sensitivity and excessive stimulation
Many autistic people feel increased or reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Certain sounds, bright lights, specific textures, or even strong odors can be stunning because they feel they are attacking their senses.
This leads to excessive stimulation or sensory overload, which makes it difficult to concentrate or participate in everyday activities due to stress and anxiety. When they are excessively stimulated, They may feel the need to escape from their current environment or to practice “stimulation”, which are self -immoral behavior used for self -sufficiency. On the other hand, some autistic individuals may seek some sensory experiences such as soft fabrics, recurring sounds or specific types of movement to make them feel comfortable.
Difficulties with the interpretation of social stimuli
Understanding unsaid social rules, such as when it is a turn to talk to you or how to interpret body language, can be difficult for many autistic people. They may also have trouble recognizing when the topic of the interview has shifted or when someone is losing interest in discussion.
In addition It is difficult for them to capture implied meanings, unclear hints or social allusions that rely on the context rather than on direct statements. That is why they often take things literally, lack sarcasm or misinterpret jokes. These cases can lead to feelings of isolation or social exhaustion, especially when trying to orientate in everyday interactions.
