Autism continues to be a misunderstood condition due to its wide range of symptoms. One person on the Autism Spectrum can look completely different than another. With Autism rates climbing, it is crucial to understand the main symptoms of Autism so that we can become more aware as a society. According to a report conducted by the CDC in Match of 2023, 1 in 36 8-year-old children has Autism (2.8%), up from 1 in 44 in 2018 (2.3%) (CDC, 2023). Autism is not going anywhere, and we need to work to understand it better. In this article, we will discuss the five most common symptoms of Autism.
Focus and Attention Difficulties
One of the main symptoms of Autism is attention and focus difficulties. For many on the Autism Spectrum, they were first diagnosed with ADHD. This is because both conditions share focus and attention issues. One of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD is focus issues, as many assume someone with ADHD cannot focus. The inverse is often true, as they usually focus on something so intently that they do not notice other things. This could be something they are thinking about or seeing in the room. They focus so intently that they do not notice other things, which leads to people thinking they are not paying attention. This often happens in school, which leads to an early diagnosis of ADHD. On the surface, this seems correct, but often more symptoms appear that do not fit with ADHD. Over half of my Clients were diagnosed with ADHD before they were diagnosed with Autism.
Obsessive thoughts often lead to focus issues, which many on the Autism Spectrum experience. Obsessive thoughts can lead someone not to pay attention, which can look like they are not focusing. This is why many on the Autism spectrum are diagnosed with ADHD, as they can focus but need redirection to focus on something specific. For someone on the Autism Spectrum, focus issues and obsessive thoughts often go hand in hand.
Obsessive Thoughts
For many on the Autism Spectrum, obsessive thoughts are challenging to manage. Obsessive thoughts typically form on something interesting, such as a video game or YouTube video. As these thoughts can happen at any time, obsessive thoughts are often intrusive. Everyone has them occasionally, but with someone on the Autism Spectrum, they happen frequently. This can lead to school, work, and relationship problems. Obsessive thoughts are challenging for children, as they lack the maturity and mental discipline to manage them.
Obsessive thoughts often focus on something specific, such as a hobby or activity. The subject of obsessive thoughts will be researched, studied, and prioritized over other activities. Even when this activity is not occurring, thoughts exist to remind them of it. This is why obsessive thoughts are difficult to dislodge, as even if the action is not being performed, it can be relieved mentally. For example, if someone is addicted to a video game, they will obsess over the video game, even while not playing it, as they will be thinking of past playthroughs and working on strategies. Performance will suffer if this happens in the middle of class or work.
Social Skill Deficits
One of the hallmark symptoms of Autism is social skill deficits and communication problems. This is often due to numerous factors, including a lack of understanding of emotional cues, discussing obsessive interests, and rigidity and impatience. Many people on the Autism Spectrum view the world differently due to overstimulation and social-relationship challenges. Growing up is often not easy for someone on the spectrum, which gives them a different perspective. Neurotypical people do not understand this, as it is outside their experience. It becomes difficult for neurotypical and Autistic people to relate.
Communication skills are often lacking as there is limited back-and-forth communication due to a lack of experience. Communication difficulties are becoming more common for neurotypical and Autistic people due to smartphones and the Internet, as most children and teens communicate with Apps. This lack of in-person communication can lead to anxiety issues. I have had many Autistic Clients have problems making phone calls or ordering food from a restaurant due to anxiety over social interactions. Unfortunately, social anxiety is common for someone on the Autism spectrum due to social skill deficits.
Overstimulation
Overstimulation is a difficult concept to understand if it has not been experienced. Imagine a sound that physically hurts to hear or clothing that is itchy to wear. Many people on the Autism spectrum have sensitivities with one or more senses, making everyday life difficult to navigate. For example, I hate the feel of long sleeves on my arms; it bothers me greatly. As a result, I wear a coat with short sleeves in the winter, which makes me cold sometimes. I would rather be somewhat cold than experience the feeling of long sleeves. Sensory issues are common and vary from person to person.
The problem with sensory issues is they limit growth. Someone with smell and taste issues will likely have a poor diet due to limited food choices. Someone with hearing sensitivities may avoid going out in public. Avoidance is a common defense mechanism for sensory issues, which can lead to problems integrating into society.
Rigidity
Almost everyone is rigid in some way. We all can become stubborn and inflexible. However, many on the Autism spectrum are extremely rigid. This is often due to the challenges they have experienced integrating into society. They found a way that works for them, and as such, they find it difficult to change this method. Having things a set way makes the future easy to navigate, as there are no surprises. Rigidity exists to reduce anxiety and make order; anxiety and anger often result when something unexpected occurs.
Rigidity can be countered by exposure to small changes over time. For example, if someone has taste sensitivities and is too rigid to try something new, the first step is to try something different with the food they like. Over time, other foods can be introduced, foods similar to the preferred foods. Over more time, other foods can be introduced to expand their palate.
Conclusion
While the above symptoms are the most common for most on the Autism Spectrum, there are many more. Difficulties making eye contact, understanding emotional cues, and anxiety issues are examples of others. Each person on the spectrum is unique, and while they may share symptoms, their viewpoints are their own. If you are on the Autism Spectrum, begin to work on these symptoms by accepting they exist and work to make plans to combat them. Therapy can help teach the skills to combat these symptoms and utilize your strengths. If you are in Texas, I provide teletherapy that can help. Contact me to learn more. If outside of Texas, I have written a book that can help, So You Have Autism, Now What? 30 Days of Learning, Change, and Empowerment. Autism can be managed as there is hope.
References:
CDC 2023: Autism Prevalence Higher, According to Data from 11 ADDM Communities. March 2023.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0323-autism.html
You can reach me at my website or call me directly at 832-559-3520 if you have any questions. Thank You!
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