Understanding Autism Resources: Insights, Information, and Support

When you picture someone with autism, there’s a good chance that a child comes to mind. Maybe your nephew or a member of your child’s class is diagnosed, so you’re familiar with some of the behaviors associated with the condition...or at least how they show up in children. But millions of autistic adults exist too, since autism is a distinct neurotype, not something you grow out of. 

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However, if the condition wasn’t assessed already in childhood, it can be harder to spot as an adult. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 45 adults is autistic, and even more are likely undiagnosed. 

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Though there are many shared traits between the age groups, autism can present differently in adults than in children, which is something we'll discuss in depth within this article. But fundamentally,  the signs of autism in adults include a range of characteristics like:

• Social interaction and communication differences 
• Self-soothing and self-regulatory behaviors
• Sensory and processing differences
• Special interests and activities
• Emotional regulation and cognitive traits

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If you suspect you may be autistic, you likely know the journey toward diagnosis isn’t so straightforward. It can be confusing and frustrating! Especially since no two people with autism are the same, and everyone has their own unique combination of strengths and challenges.

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On top of that, many adults tend to mask their autistic behaviors to fit in with their neurotypical peers, oftentimes without even realizing it. Plus, thanks to gender and cultural bias and other stereotypes, countless autistic adults are overlooked due to their more subtle presentation of the condition. 

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That’s why Prosper Health is here to provide you with a clear, inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming breakdown of adult autism signs: what they are, why they’re often missed, and what to do if they resonate.

For autistic adults, understanding your diagnosis and the labels that may have once applied can be a powerful step toward self-awareness and advocacy. If you were diagnosed before 2013, the terms PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified) and Asperger’s syndrome may feel deeply familiar. While these diagnoses were cut from the DSM-5, they continue to hold meaning, especially for individuals who identify with the traits and lived experiences associated with them.

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By understanding the distinctions and overlaps between PDD-NOS and Asperger’s, autistic adults can find relatable community experiences and make informed decisions about support and self-care. Exploring these diagnostic categories with a nuanced lens not only sheds light on where one fits within the broader autism spectrum but also affirms the diverse ways autism manifests across individuals.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how people communicate, learn and interact with the world. Some autistic traits in adults include having difficulty understanding what others think or feel, taking things literally, avoiding eye contact and having intense, narrow interests known as “special interests.”

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Understanding autism is crucial because it promotes accurate recognition of the rich diversity in how autistic people perceive, process and interact with the world, thereby reducing stigma and enabling tailored supports that respect individual strengths and challenges. Further, by dispelling myths and misconceptions, we foster inclusion, improve mental health outcomes and empower autistic individuals to thrive.