Although autism is most often diagnosed in children, the increased awareness of the symptoms and how they affect daily life has increased the number of adults seeking a diagnosis. Autism is a spectrum of conditions that affect how one behaves, socializes, and communicates. Because it's widely considered more common in boys than girls, many women reach adulthood without realizing they are on the spectrum. Recognizing some of the most common symptoms can help you start a conversation with your health care provider and identify therapies that can help you manage them and improve your quality of life. 

What Are the Possible Signs of Autism in Women?

1. Sensory Sensitivity

People with autism often have an intense sensitivity to particular sensory experiences. It's more than just not likely loud noises or bright lights, though. People with autism cannot tolerate the sensory experiences and may have extreme reactions to them. In adults, this extreme sensitivity often influences their behaviors or actions; for example, they may not be able to drive because it overloads their senses. 

2. Executive Function Challenges

Executive function is a set of skills governing decision-making, self-control, memory, and flexible thinking. Autism often affects these abilities, making it challenging for women to keep themselves organized and on task. Seemingly simple tasks, such as basic hygiene or household chores, are challenging for people who lack executive function skills.

3. Obsessive Interests 

An intense focus on a specific subject is a common symptom of autism. Women are particularly drawn to obsessions involving people, like a crush or celebrity, or a wide range of topics, in contrast to men, who tend to focus on objects. Women with autism often excel in careers and hobbies that require a great deal of research and focus. 

4. Camouflaging 

Women with autism are more likely than men to engage in camouflaging, or behaviors designed to hide their differences. Some researchers believe this influences why women are less likely to be diagnosed than men. Camouflaging behaviors include mimicking others' behavior, gestures, and expressions; intensely preparing for social situations with jokes or things to say; and forcing eye contact during conversations. 

5. Difficulty Regulating Emotions 

Women with autism often report having trouble keeping their emotions in check and having extreme reactions that might include crying, yelling, or shutting down. People with autism also often have a disconnect between the frontal cortex, the thinking part of the brain, and the amygdala, the emotional part, which affects their ability to control their emotional reactions. 

If you have concerns about your patterns of behavior, talk to your health care provider. If you are living with autism, you can get help building new skills that help you navigate the nuances of life from Patterns Behavioral Services in Costa Mesa, CA. The compassionate team of skilled clinicians works with children, teens, and adults with autism, providing support and therapy services. To learn more, call (657) 444-9002 or visit their website for more information.