Have you ever been to a party and felt awkward and tongue-tied when meeting new people? Or did you struggle to strike up a conversation without appearing rude or blunt? Have you ever had a meltdown because you were overwhelmed by loud noises, lights, and chatter?
Many adults face such situations in their everyday life, making them wonder, “Am I shy or on the autism spectrum?” Research has found that almost 90% of older autistic adults remain undiagnosed. A private autism assessment can help you confirm the diagnosis and seek the right help and sensory modifications that enable you to live life to the fullest.
Instead of spending your life second-guessing yourself, or worse, self-diagnosing yourself, always seek help from a professional.
Here are some signs of undiagnosed ASD (autism spectrum disorder) that you might have overlooked:
1. Difficulty With Social Cues
You feel awkward in social situations, whether at a party, a school gathering, or a corporate event. You take people at face value and fail to understand people’s thoughts or feelings. You prefer to stay alone and have difficulty making friends. Your inability to understand social cues, sarcasm, jokes and rules can make you appear rude.
You also experience intense discomfort in social situations due to sensory overload. You might also prefer solitary activities, such as reading or sewing, over group activities, such as playing games or dancing.
People on the ASD spectrum find it difficult to make conversation, have eye contact with others, and often take things literally.
2. Repetitive Behaviours
Undiagnosed autistic adults often showcase repetitive behaviours. This can include stimming and a strong need for a daily routine. You find it difficult to cope with change, even when it is something as inconsequential as a change in bathroom schedule.
You also exhibit hyper-focused behaviour, showing intense interest in one activity while ignoring or showing disinterest in others. This ability to focus intently might make you notice things that your peers may not. It can also make you highly skilled in one activity, whether persuasion, an art form, or scientific studies. A good example of this would be the fictional character of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.
3. Sensory Sensitivities
People with ASD might be highly sensitive to loud sounds, harsh lights, textures and even smells. Do you find yourself only wearing cotton clothes or t-shirts that are a size too big? Do you draw the curtains of your room or use a dimmer light?
Any aberration to this can lead to overstimulation of your senses, causing a meltdown. For example, if you are exposed to harsh light, you may end up with a migraine or feel yourself on the edge.
Something as common as a dog barking or a child crying can make you feel overwhelmed. Most undiagnosed adults try to mask these triggers for fear of ostracisation or being judged as “too sensitive” or “too weak”.
Autism Vs Shyness – Why The Confusion?
Shyness is a personality trait, while autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with a range of symptoms and severity. While with age you can overcome shyness, ASD is a lifelong condition that can be managed but not remedied.
For example, a shy person might feel awkward in a new setting but will usually open up as they become familiar with the people around them. A person with ASD intends to interact with people but may need more time than others to join a conversation.
You start exhibiting autism symptoms in your childhood, and it is part of your entire life. Earlier, the initial signs during the formative years, such as delayed speech, looking down at the feet instead of making eye contact, and an inability to make friends, were mistaken for shyness. This has led to a huge number of adults over the age of 50 remaining undiagnosed.
Shyness is limited to social discomfort, while autism is a broader developmental condition, affecting every aspect of your life.
Get a Professional Diagnosis
Many undiagnosed autistic adults show signs of masking, such as developing sophisticated methods of socially blending, people-pleasing and internalising the repetitive behaviours rather than externalising them.
Early intervention and diagnosis enable you to improve your quality of life by reducing communication issues, fostering social skills, and increasing independence.
A proper diagnosis can help you seek help (occupational therapy, CBT, or speech therapy) while bringing clarity and reducing stress and anxiety. It will also empower your family and loved ones to understand your condition and gain access to tools and resources that can support you in life.
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For those who are struggling with social interactions and repetitive behaviors, our full guide on How to Start an Online Business might offer valuable strategies for managing these challenges while also providing a source of income.
