Autism, part of a spectrum of disorders, including Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder, affects from 1 to 1.5 million individuals in the United States, according to the Autism Society. Approximately 1 in 110 babies born in the United States are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism symptoms range from mild to severe. Some individuals with autism live nearly normal lives with little to no supports in place. Other people with autism require constant care due to their disabilities.
Communication Symptoms
Adults with autism may experience a variety of communication symptoms. These include difficulty sustaining conversations, seeming to be deaf or unresponsive, and struggling to express their wants and needs, explains the National Institute of Mental Health. They may also have oddly, stilted speech patterns. In addition, some adults with autism exhibit echolalia, a response pattern whereby they repeat what others say. Echolalia may be an immediate response to something someone says, or repetition can occur much later. One individual with autism interviewed for a University of Wisconsin study called, "An Inside Perspective from Adolescents and Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder," explained, "When I'm interacting with people it's very difficult to come up with words in my head to speak."
Social Symptoms
Social interaction difficulties are the hallmark feature of autism, states the National Human Genome Research Institute. Adults with autism may avoid eye contact, not respond to their own names and avoid all physical touch. They may not engage in social games or activities, and struggle to participate in imaginative activities. In addition, adults with autism often show no signs of stranger anxiety or separation anxiety.
Obsessive Symptoms
Some adults diagnosed with autism develop obsessive symptoms, including repetitive motions or fixed routines, states the Psychology Department at the University of Michigan. Their interests may be extremely limited, such as only talking about car engines or slightly unusual, such as an obsessive fascination with hotel room key cards. The University of Wisconsin study called, "An Inside Perspective from Adolescents and Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder" includes insights from an individual with autism who says, "We like repetition, doing one thing over and over and over and over until you drive everyone else nozzle-nuts! But we like it...get used to it."
Behavioral Symptoms
The National Institute of Mental Health states that autistic behavioral symptoms may include physical and verbal aggression, destructive behaviors and tantrums. Individuals with autism may exhibit very short attention spans and may show no fear when faced with dangerous activities or situations.
Sensory Symptoms
Some adults with autism exhibit extreme over- or under-sensitivity to sensory input including sounds, touch, smells and pain sensitivity, states the Psychology Department at the University of Michigan.
References
- National Human Genome Research Institute: Learning About Autism
- National Institute of Mental Health: Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Univeristy of Michigan Psychology Department: Education and Autism
- Autism Society: Facts and Stats
- University of Wisconsin: An Inside Perspective from Adolescents and Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
