Autism in adults
In simple terms, autism occurs when a person has trouble communicating and understanding what people think and feel, as well as demonstrating restrictive and repetitive behavioral patterns. This makes it very difficult for them to respond to gestures, facial expressions, touch and even language. Autism is typically diagnosed during childhood.
A study published last year in JAMA Network Open showed a 452% increase in autism diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34 from 2011 to 2022.
What are some symptoms of autism?
Delays in communicating with others including speech and gestures
Not responding to one’s own name
Getting upset over minor changes in routine
Avoiding many, if not most, forms of physical contact
Showing little interest in objects or people
Participation question:
Do you know someone with autism, or do you suspect you are living with autism?
How do you think we can help people that are challenged by autism or understand how autism affects people?
Helpful Videos:
Helpful Resources:
More adults are wondering if they have autism
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
Taglist Updated 2/24/25 @3timesLeo @4Jasmine @Admirablerainbow2825 @adventureawaits777 @adventurousBranch3786 @Alaskanskies @AlexMbale @allen99 @allnaturalWillow7138 @alysianna @ambitiousGlobe3422 @ambitioushope1234 @ambitiousHickory9113 @amiablePeace77 @Ashy123 @Astralboy @augustine1304 @balderasdavid799 @BeamsOfHope00 @Beepyy @bence2 @bestThinker1986 @BipolarBear1983 @BlackyDragon @blissedNblessed @bluelemon6419 @bobw @bouncyFireworks3811 @blueAcai236 @BPDBadee @Brittanny17 @brightOcean1599 @candybubblegumsprinkles @calmcoral @CaringSub @CatHanderOutNoah @Catunion @charmaeausty @charliebee1121 @ComfortablePeace2121 @courageouspanda2006 @courageousPomegranate766 @courteousKite6821 @creativeCar5713 @creatingHealthyOutcome @crimsonCoconut1711 @crimsonPapaya @crystalclearnow @cyanVase4070 @CyclingThroughLife @daydreammemories @deborahdebbie @dlynn88911221 @Desmynn6789 @DkIfINeedHelpOrSleep @dysfunctionjunction1224 @Echoheart7236 @EllyMerelyn @emotionalpal710 @emotionalPenguin4374 @empathicPresence9091 @EmpoweringSam @endure777 @energeticThinker6924 @enthusiasticAcai2032 @enthusiasticBeach8170 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @exuberantStrawberries9544 @FaithMagic @fearlessCup8704 @F1shD0g @FleurdeNeige @FlowerEV777 @FracturedPurple @Fradiga @fruityPond7887 @Genlistener @geribear @Gettingbettertoday @Ghasaq997 @GlitteryHearts @glowingPresence86 @energeticThinker6924@GoldenNest2727 @GothamRam @gregariousField7151 @GreyorFelix @gva1audi @happyness @hardworkingBeechwood6063 @heartstopper13 @helloPineapple2451 @helpfulDime0407 @Henry2000 @Hereforyouall144 @hopefaith2011 @imaginativepear6493 @ingeniousLove9924 @intuitivepixie1331 @Itzcharlotteg @JanMad87 @Jordan1872 @k87 @Kenn13chan @kindcircle3085 @kateeew @Kaydeee @kindRiver6 @kohandlen @Kristian1 @kristynsmama @Lauren63 @Leahm9703 @LillyPad12345 @LisaMeighanMBPsS @lostwithouther97 @lovelycoacoa @magneticDreamer6447 @mariah2009 @Marita7391 @meaningfulSilence @meeeeee @meowcat1216 @mia4819 @Mich765 @mindtalk @miraculousTouch2949 @miresama @modestTangerine2193 @MoonMomm @MoreThanJustMe @Mscooper2789 @myloveee3 @mytwistedsoul @navyAcres6073 @nessa104 @NotAllHere713 @oa4me @Oceansky93 @OneErased @onkia122 @orangypie @pamharley003 @paperBird3348 @patientwater @peacefulRainbow05 @peachyOctopus9691 @PhilosophicalModel @PiecesOfWhoeverIWas @pinkpolkadots @PinkTriangle133 @pioneeringHuman7775 @politeGrapefruit179 @pompom @PurpleHearts7 @purpletree4652 @Pvoigt @Qoqnus @QueerChaos259 @rachelkb123 @raddogme @Rainboho @Randumuser1 @redirecting @reguna reservedOwl6476@fighton @reservedPark4029 @resilience2025 @RMaunil @Rod88 @RogueOne1983 @sandie @Scarletpear1945 @ShapeshiftSystem @SilverSeastar @SleepingFoxAkari @slothgurl17 @SnaryPoppins07 @softParadise1540 @soulsings @SparklyFly @sorrowedbunny1256 @SpongeBob2021 @Squidward @StarGaze10o01 @StarryCandy6123 @stephbrent @SugareeIsMe091121 @summerkay2024 @tallWalker4850 @TealPhotog @ThadSterling @theroadisbright @thesoda @thoughtsbubbleexpress @ThoughtfulMomma @tifecandy @tinywhisper11 @tiredbubble00 @tjitalia @toughLand5970 @treefrog1234 @txrmentedSxul @UniversalSmile @warmheart0890 @WentToBruv @waves @WorriedMagpie @WorkingitThrough2 @YellowTiger5674 @yzzil @zeffa @Zeraphim @Zsazsa524
@amiablePeace77
I was a nurse, and I worked with the state autism division for many years. At one point, it was thought that only males were affected by this. After many studies, they found out that females also can be affected. 1. The thing is to respect their boundaries. Many are unable to look you in the face or have repetitive movements and some vocal limitations and repetitive movements and really don't like change.
I work with them the same as a normal person with their abilities and inabilities. There are different levels of this condition. Acceptance is very important as is having one's own space.
@WorkingitThrough2
Thank you for sharing this information! I also believe it's very important to understand and respect their boundaries!
My sister was diagnosed with level 1 Autism, just shy of her 18th birthday. One reason it came so late, even though mom highly suspected it for years, was because my sister is so social.
That being said, I wish more people knew that not all people with autism fit the “box” of what they think Autism is. As the saying goes “ If you have meet one person with Autism, you have met one person with Autism” meaning no two people are the same even if they have the same diagnosis.
@TealPhotog completely agree, it effects everyone differently 💗💗 I hope your sister is doing ok, gives you a giant tiny hug 💗
@Tinywhisper11 she is doing great! I love her for her, and the incredible way her brain works is amazing!
@TealPhotog aww your a great sister to her💗💗
@amiablePeace77 autism effects people on many different levels. I think it's really really important that everyone is patient with each other and doesn't judge anyone, cause you never know what illness they have it what they've been/going through. This also goes for all people, we need to choose our words carefully 💗💗
@Tinywhisper11
With patience comes understanding, it's hard enough to live in a society where people find it difficult to understand you.
I know people thlat struggle withl relating to other people but there can be many reasons for that. It is a difficult challenge but many people live full lives.
@soulsings
Thanks for sharing your point!