The common character traits that could mean you are autistic – and how to get a diagnosis

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Entrepreneur Natasha Nelson has always felt she didn't quite fit in.

The 35-year-old individual from Stone Mountain, Georgia, had difficulty setting social norms.

She struggled with casual conversation and couldn't grasp why people found it necessary to make their beds.

In 2023, shortly after her youngest daughter was also diagnosed.

If they also believe, or have long suspected, that they may be on the spectrum.

If your life has always felt like it's been in a state of turmoil and you don't feel at ease, and you don't feel like you're truly thriving, and instead you're just trying to make it from one thing to the next, then what do you have to lose?

Signs of autism can include difficulties with social communication and a preoccupation with specific routines or subjects - Nelson notes, "people have become my special interest now" - and may not be recognized during a person's childhood.

It can be expensive and hard to get an autism diagnosis later in life because there aren't enough doctors trained to work with adults. Here's what you should know about getting an adult autism diagnosis.

What is autism and when is it typically diagnosed?

This condition involves various intellectual, language, and social challenges, such as insisting on rigid routines, having intense interests in specific areas, and having trouble maintaining eye contact or understanding nonverbal cues. Autism is usually diagnosed during childhood, and the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that all children should be screened as early as 18 months.

There's been a noticeable increase in the number of adults being diagnosed with autism.

Over the past decade, many adults have become more curious about their own neurodiversity, often after their children are diagnosed or after seeing posts on social media. Research from last year found a 452% increase in autism diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34 from 2011 to 2022.

Some characteristics of autism may not be apparent until adulthood, when there are new social expectations. Others may have developed the ability to conceal certain behaviors, often referred to as masking.

People have learned to adapt as adults," said Whitney Ence, a psychologist at the University of California San Francisco who works with autistic adults. "They may have learned, for example, 'I can't express that in public, so I do that in private.'

Certain difficulties with nonverbal social cues or executive functions such as attention span, working memory, and problem-solving can complicate an autism diagnosis.

What are the signs of autism in adults?

People with autism may have individual characteristics, and some traits are also common in individuals without autism, such as enjoying routines or becoming interested in in-depth research.

To meet the diagnostic criteria for autism, the symptoms must cause significant impairment, stated Dr. Arthur Westover, a psychiatrist specializing in autism at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

“Being human is all about having routines and finding pleasure in them, but that doesn't necessarily mean someone is autistic if they enjoy them."

Russell Lehmann, 34, has had his autism diagnosis for over 20 years. The motivational speaker has routines that he describes as both comforting and stressful. He finds comfort in eating the same food, buying the same groceries, he said. However, if he misses his daily 1.5-hour gym routine, he becomes overwhelmed with feelings of depression and inadequacy.

It's like every day is the same," he said. "My daily routine is an overwhelming burden, because every night I go to bed knowing I have to do a routine I don't enjoy just to get by.

What is the process of making a diagnosis?

While there are various online screening tools available, autism is a complex condition, so experts suggest consulting your primary care physician for a referral to a psychiatrist.

The psychiatrist may want to talk to people who were around you when you were a child, like family and friends, who could confirm if symptoms were present back then.

Some psychiatrists may refer you to a psychologist, who can administer a standardized diagnostic autism test or use their clinical judgment. There is no brain scan or blood test for diagnosing autism.

Getting an autism diagnosis as an adult can be expensive and a lengthy process. Westover stated that there's a significant shortage of specialists who work with autistic adults. Nelson's diagnosis took three years and she paid over $3,000 out of her own pocket.

When thinking about getting a professional diagnosis, ask yourself some questions and be aware that you may have to wait: “What's driving me to think I need a professional diagnosis? Do I need help from services? Are there services that aren't available to me right now?”

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