Asperger's syndrome often goes undiagnosed among adults, particularly those who can easily hide or adapt to social challenges with time. Understanding its symptoms can be key to identifying the condition and getting the right support. In this blog, we will explore the 10 signs of Asperger's in adults, along with its diagnosis and treatment. Read on!
But First, What is Asperger's Syndrome?
Asperger's syndrome is a lifelong developmental disorder marked by challenges with social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. It impacts how individuals make sense of the outer world, receive information, and interact with others. A 2024 study reports that 11.3 in 1,000 people in the USA are affected by ASD. Men are 3-4 times more prone to have Asperger’s than females.
“In 2013, Asperger’s syndrome was included under the umbrella diagnosis of ‘autism spectrum disorder’ (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). So, this condition is now considered a part of the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. But people still use the term "Asperger’s syndrome" to describe higher-functioning autism.”
10 Clear Signs of Asperger's in Adults
Though each person is unique, the following are the 10 symptoms of Asperger's in adults:
1. Trouble with Nonverbal Communication
- Communication issues in Asperger's may include facing challenges in using or understanding nonverbal communication like gestures, facial expressions, or body language.
- Some may also find it difficult to make eye contact with others. This can make nonverbal behaviors more challenging.
2. Trouble with Social Interactions
- As people may find it difficult to understand nonverbal communication, including tone of voice, body language, or facial expressions, they can face challenges in interacting socially.
- This can lead to difficulties in understanding humor, sarcasm, or unspoken signals or behaviors, causing social awkwardness or challenges in building or maintaining friendships.
3. Difficulty Understanding Emotions
- Adults may find it hard to control their emotional reactions to events or situations, causing them to respond incorrectly or have emotional breakdowns.
- Some may also have challenges in understanding the emotion of others which make it hard to show empathy or connect emotionally.
4. Intense Focus on Specific Interests
- People with Asperger's focus intensely on some interesting topics which makes them extremely knowledgeable in specific subjects.
- Also, this behavior allows them to concentrate on issues for a longer time, leading to high problem-solving skills.
5. Motor Skill Challenges
- Research shows that autistic adults more commonly experience motor coordination issues. The conditions make it challenging to use their fine motor skills like writing, walking, balancing, or buttoning clothes.
- They may also look clumsy or find it hard to engage in activities that need manual dexterity, an ability to use the hands and fingers in a coordinated way to perform tasks.
6. Sensory Sensitivities
- Sensory sensitivities in adults may include hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity to some sensory stimuli such as sounds, smells, lights, or textures.
- For instance, they may feel overwhelmed in brightly lit places or find loud noises unbearable.
7. Repetitive Behaviors
- Adults with Asperger’s may often develop repetitive movements, rituals, or routines to seek comfort or cope with anxiety.
- Though this sign can be helpful, it's crucial to maintain a balance between supporting repetitive behaviors and promoting flexibility.
8. Tendency to Speak in Monologues
- A common sign is that individuals speak in lengthy monologues regarding the topics they are extremely passionate about.
- This makes them not realize that other people are no longer interested or they might miss the hint to stop talking.
9. Strong Preference for Routine
- Individuals find comfort in routine, and if things turn away from the expected schedule, they may experience stress or anxiety.
- Sudden changes for them can be especially difficult.
10. Trouble Understanding Social Norms
- Adults may find it challenging to understand the unspoken rules or expectations of social situations.
- The difficulties may include knowing when it's right to speak, understanding sarcasm or jokes, and changing conversation.
Recognizing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Women
Autism Spectrum Disorder in females is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed because they may present the signs differently compared to males:
- Women often mask symptoms like social behaviors, e.g., having small talk or making eye contact to fit in social expectations, delaying diagnosis.
- They are better at hiding or adjusting to social challenges that lead to less development of symptoms, especially in childhood.
- They have higher sensory sensitivities to sound, smell, light, and textures, which are ignored as sensitivities.
- For women, intense interest in art, animals, and literature seems less unusual or socially accepted, so these signs are overlooked.
- They are more likely to have mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, masking the recognition of autism.
What Causes Asperger's Syndrome?
The exact cause is still unknown. However, researchers suggest these two factors may contribute to this condition:
Genetic Factors:
- Mutations in genes responsible for cell communication, brain development, and social interaction.
- Family history of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Environmental Factors:
- Exposure to some chemicals or viruses during pregnancy
- Birth complications, e.g., premature birth or oxygen deprivation.
- Early childhood experiences, such as a lack of social stimulation
Other Factors:
- Sex, as males are more prone to develop autism
- Other medical issues like Fragile X syndrome, Timothy syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Gestational diabetes, or Rett syndrome
- Possibly parents’ ages (more studies are required)
Note: These factors may not be the cause of Asperger's for all people. Also, no evidence supports that parenting styles or vaccines can lead to Asperger's syndrome.
Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome in Adults
No specific test is available to diagnose Asperger’s syndrome in adults.
- The diagnosis is made through assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. It involves questionnaires, symptoms, monitoring, and review of the medical or family history of the person.
- Healthcare professionals also observe how a person interacts with others, their capability to understand social rules, and their non-verbal communication.
- Evaluation is done to find other causes that may overlap with Asperger’s. Those conditions may include depression, anxiety, or other neurological conditions.
Note: If you suspect you are struggling with Asperger’s Syndrome, see a doctor who can help assess your symptoms and behavior and determine the exact cause.
When to See a Doctor?
See the healthcare provider for proper evaluation and support if you experience these symptoms:
- Social Difficulties
- Intense and Narrow Interests
- Challenges in Communication
- Sensory Sensitivities
- Repetitive Routines
- Difficulty Understanding Emotions
- Motor Skill Issues
- Unexplained Stress or Anxiety
- Family History of ASD
Treatment of Asperger’s in Adults
While there is no cure, the following treatments may help manage symptoms and cope with difficulties:
- Medications: Prescription medicines like serotonin reuptake inhibitors, stimulants, and antipsychotics can treat co-occurring conditions like hyperactivity and anxiety.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: The therapy may help cope with emotional behaviors like anxiety and social isolation. It also teaches you new social skills that make engaging with others easier and less annoying.
- Speech therapy: The speech pathologists help you learn how to adjust your pitch, tone, pace, and volume to convey your emotions, highlight your ideas, and engage in conversation.
- Vocational therapy: Vocational therapists assist in focusing on developing and improving work-related strategies and skills to prevent workplace challenges which supports success in the workplace.
Complications of Asperger’s Syndrome in Adulthood
People with Asperger's have higher chances of the following complications:
- social isolation
- difficulties in maintaining romantic and healthy relationships
- difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings
- Challenges at the workplace and school
Also, people tend to develop these medical conditions:
- anxiety
- depression
- gastrointestinal issues
- tourette's syndrome
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
8 Best Tips To Live a Fulfilling Life with Asperger's Syndrome
Consider these tips to manage your unique traits and live a fulfilling life:
1. Be Self-Aware: Recognize your challenges, strengths, and needs to lead your life more efficiently.
2. Seek Professional Support: Get cognitive behavioral therapy to learn coping strategies to get rid of emotional and social challenges.
3. Develop Social Skills: Practice social skills training and join social groups to improve your social interaction.
4. Build a Structured Schedule: Prevents stress and gives comfort and stability.
5. Find Supportive Relationships: Build relationships with patients and stronger emotional health.
6. Manage Sensory Sensitivities: Build a sensory-friendly environment by using noise-canceling headphones and light covers, avoiding strongly scented products, and wearing soft clothes.
7. Practice Self-Care: Engage in exercise, relaxation techniques, and hobbies to maintain balance and strength.
8. Pursue Special Interests: Engage in activities or hobbies that give you a sense of joy and purpose.
Final Thoughts
The 10 signs of Asperger's in adults range from difficulty with social interactions to trouble with nonverbal communication. However, the severity of signs can vary from one person to another. It's important to seek professional help if you or your loved ones develop any symptoms. They can help with medications to treat co-occurring conditions and therapies to learn techniques to cope with emotional behaviors, nonverbal communication, and work-related challenges.
FAQs
How do Adults with Asperger's behave?
They may stare at others, not know about their personal space, and not be able to make eye contact.
What is the personality type of someone with Asperger's?
They have repetitive and restricted behavior and interest and sometimes abnormally intense and focused interest.
Do people with Asperger’s get upset easily?
Challenges with sensory sensitivities, emotions, and understanding social cues can make them angry. But not everyone gets upset easily.
What is the most distinguishing symptom of Asperger’s?
Trouble with communication and social interactions accompanied by repetitive behavior and intense interests is the most distinguishing symptom of Asperger’s.
What can be mistaken as Asperger’s?
ADHD, social anxiety, borderline personality disorder, OCD, or schizophrenia can be mistaken as Asperger’s as these conditions share similar symptoms.
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