According to the National Autistic Society, more than 700,000 adults and children in the UK have autism.
However, there may be many more who’ve yet to be diagnosed. The condition manifests differently depending on age, which means you might be neurodivergent and on the autism spectrum without even realising it. Here are some less commonly discussed characteristics you may have noticed. While these certainly aren’t a definitive diagnosis — you’ll need to speak with a medical professional about that — they might inspire you to reach out to your GP to discuss if you recognise yourself in these.
1. You have an intense focus on specific interests.
While many people have hobbies, autistic adults often have deep, encyclopaedic knowledge about particular subjects. This isn’t just casual interest; it’s an all-consuming passion that they can discuss for hours. These interests might change over time, but the intensity remains.
2. You struggle with unwritten social rules.
Autistic adults often find it challenging to navigate the unspoken social norms that other people seem to understand intuitively. They might struggle with knowing when to end a conversation, understanding sarcasm, or recognising when someone is hinting rather than speaking directly.
3. You have a strong need for routine and consistency.
Changes in plans or unexpected events can cause significant stress for autistic adults. They often thrive on routine and may have specific ways of doing things that other people might see as rigid. Their need for predictability can extend to all areas of life, from daily schedules to food preferences.
4. You experience sensory sensitivities.
Many autistic adults have heightened or diminished sensory experiences. This could mean being overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures. Conversely, some might be drawn to intense sensory experiences. These sensitivities can significantly impact daily life and comfort levels.
5. You have difficulty with eye contact.
While not universal, many autistic adults find maintaining eye contact uncomfortable or even painful. They might look away while speaking or listening, which can be misinterpreted as disinterest or rudeness by people who don’t understand this trait.
6. You take things literally.
Autistic adults often interpret language very literally, which can lead to misunderstandings with idioms, metaphors, or sarcasm. Their literal interpretation extends to following rules and instructions precisely, sometimes to a fault.
7. You have a strong sense of justice and fairness.
Many autistic adults have a heightened sense of what’s right and wrong. They may become deeply upset by perceived injustices, even in situations that don’t directly involve them. This trait can lead to strong moral convictions and a tendency to speak out against unfairness.
8. You struggle with executive functioning.
Executive functioning involves skills like planning, organising, and managing time. Many autistic adults find these tasks challenging, which can impact work, study, and daily life. They might struggle with starting tasks, switching between activities, or completing multistep processes.
9. You have difficulty understanding or expressing emotions.
Some autistic adults find it hard to identify or articulate their own emotions, a trait known as alexithymia. They might also struggle to read other people’s emotional states or respond in expected ways to emotional situations. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of empathy.
10. You have a preference for direct communication.
Autistic adults often appreciate and use straightforward, explicit communication. They might struggle with or dislike hints, subtle cues, or ‘beating around the bush’. Their directness can sometimes be perceived as blunt or rude by other people, even when that’s not the intention.
11. You experience meltdowns or shutdowns.
Source: Unsplash When overwhelmed, autistic adults might experience meltdowns (outward expressions of distress) or shutdowns (withdrawal and inability to communicate or process information). These aren’t tantrums or choices, but responses to extreme stress or sensory overload.
12. You have a different experience of empathy.
Source: Unsplash Contrary to common misconceptions, many autistic adults experience deep empathy. However, they might express it differently or struggle to show it in ways other people expect. Some autistic adults report feeling other people’s emotions intensely, which can be overwhelming.
