This article highlights the challenges of diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults due to a lack of understanding and familiarity with adult-onset symptoms. It explores common misdiagnoses, including language-based learning disabilities, personality disorders, schizophrenia, neuroticism, sensory processing disorder, and ADHD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ) persists into adulthood. This is a medical fact, yet few doctors know how to recognize and diagnose autistic symptoms in adults. The misdiagnoses stem, in part, from widespread unfamiliarity with the signs and symptoms of autism in adults, particularly those who were never evaluated or diagnosed in childhood. These ancillary diagnoses are not always relevant or helpful, as many symptoms are better explained by the diagnosis of ASD .
Both verbal and non-verbal communication difficulties, or quickly processing what other people are saying, can be misdiagnosed as a language-based learning disability. Autistic adults might have a hard time connecting and relating to other people or find it difficult to see things from another person’s perspective, which may be misconstrued as a personality disorder. Autistic adults commonly exhibit repetitive or ritualistic behaviors, for example rocking back and forth and eating only certain foods. Sometimes these behaviors, especially when done in public, are seen as eccentric or odd, or the person may be mislabeled as schizophrenic. Autistic adults might continue to struggle to manage their emotions. They may have sudden outbursts of anger or become withdrawn when overwhelmed. These emotional reactions, which are common in those with ASD, might be seen as neuroticism. Some autistic people prefer solitude. They may find social interactions draining and spend time pursuing solitary activities. Or, they may have difficulties with social interactions and find it easier to be alone. But many people do not understand the preference for solitude, and may see it instead as a sign of social awkwardness or aloofness. For example, refusing to eat certain foods because of the texture, becoming irritable in high-stimulus situations, or bristling when touched. This behavior may be misdiagnosed as sensory processing disorder. When adults with ASD become irritable or tense during transitions or if there is a change in routine, they may be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ASD and OCD share a number of symptoms, such as problems with executive functioning, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Occasionally, individuals with ASD are misdiagnosed with ADHD. ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning symptoms can range from mild to severe. There is no laboratory test to indicate whether a patient has ASD, therefore, it is diagnosed based on behavior. And each person may experience symptoms differently. Because of this, ASD is often difficult to diagnose in adults. In addition, many doctors are familiar with autistic symptoms in children, but not in adults. Behaviors should be looked at holistically, that is all of your symptoms and behaviors should be considered rather than diagnosing based on one or two behaviors while overlooking others. If you believe you may have ASD, talk with your doctor or ask for a referral to a specialist in your area
Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD Diagnosis Misdiagnosis Adults Symptoms Healthcare
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