Skip to content 
High-functioning autism, often associated with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome, can be difficult to diagnose in adults. Many people learn they have autism later in life because the signs and symptoms were missed in childhood. Recognizing the symptoms of high-functioning autism in adults is important to ensure a person gets the support and accommodations they may need at home, at work, and in social settings.
Some signs of autism—such as communication difficulties or sensory problems—can be misunderstood or misdiagnosed in adulthood. If you suspect you or a person you care about may be on the autism spectrum, learn more about the most common symptoms of high-functioning autism in adults below and reach out to a professional mental health provider for an evaluation.
Table of Contents
- Challenges in Social Communication
- Difficulty With Emotional Expressions
- Rigid Adherence to Routines
- Problems With Sensory Input
- Struggles With Changes and Transitions
- FAQ About Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism in Adults
- Support and Diagnosis at Pacific Coast Mental Health
Pacific Coast Mental Health
Challenges in Social Communication
One of the hallmark signs of autism is a problem with social skills. Autistic people struggle to fit in and feel comfortable in social environments, have trouble making friends, and are often misunderstood by their peers.
Adults with high-functioning autism may avoid social gatherings, feel anxious before and during social interactions, be unable to understand nonverbal cues (such as body language and facial expressions), and fail to build friendships and romantic relationships.
Difficulty With Emotional Expressions
Adults with autism may have trouble both understanding the feelings of others and expressing their own emotions. This can lead to many problems, from being perceived as insensitive and unempathetic to struggling to explain your feelings during a conflict.
While people with high-functioning autism are not immune to feeling a wide range of emotions, they may be unable to comprehend why a person in front of them is upset as well as fail to articulate their feelings when they are put on the spot.
Rigid Adherence to Routines
Predictability is very important for a person with autism—it helps them feel in control of their life and avoid unexpected triggers. However, in some cases, sticking to a routine may be detrimental to the individual.
Change is scary for an autistic person—imagine freezing or panicking when your schedule is disrupted, refusing opportunities because they interfere with your routine, and lashing out at your friends or family when they fail to warn you about a change in plans.
Pacific Coast Mental Health
Problems With Sensory Input
Sensory issues are commonly associated with autism. A person on the spectrum may be sensitive to lights, sounds, smells, and textures. In addition, some autistic individuals are clumsy and have poor coordination.
These problems may persist into adulthood and remain a challenge for a person with high-functioning autism. For instance, sensitivity to loud noises will prevent the individual from attending concerts, and an issue with certain fabrics may make it difficult to choose comfortable clothes to wear.
Struggles With Changes and Transitions
Besides sticking to a fixed schedule every day, an adult with autism may refuse major opportunities that come their way, whether it is moving to a different city, enrolling in college, or accepting a job offer.
While big life changes are scary for anyone, a person with autism may feel frozen and overwhelmed when they are presented with a major or minor change to their life. If this negatively affects the person, therapy may help them learn to cope with and embrace the change.
FAQs
What is high-functioning autism?
“High-functioning autism” is an unofficial medical term that describes an autistic person who can manage their life without too much difficulty. A person with high-functioning autism has an intelligence quotient that is average or above average.
Can you be autistic and not know it?
It is possible to remain undiagnosed until adulthood. Many people with autism are diagnosed when they are children, but in some cases, the symptoms are not recognized until much later.
How do I know if I am autistic?
If you have gone through an online checklist for autism and believe you exhibit several symptoms of autism, schedule an appointment with a doctor to be evaluated and diagnosed.
Is high-functioning autism treated?
There is no cure for autism; however, therapy can be very helpful. A therapist will give you a safe space to talk about your struggles and teach you skills to manage the symptoms of autism.
Should I tell my employer I have autism?
You are not obligated to inform your workplace about your diagnosis. Nonetheless, if autism impacts your work, you should talk to your employer and see whether they are able to provide you with accommthe odations you need.
Pacific Coast Mental Health
Support and Diagnosis at Pacific Coast Mental Health
Recognizing the symptoms of high-functioning autism in adults is the first step toward diagnosis and treatment. From improving your communication skills to handling big life changes, you can learn to manage the symptoms of autism with the help of a professional therapist.
Our experts at Pacific Coast Mental Health are here to assist you—reach out to us, schedule an appointment, and get the support you need either for yourself or for a person you care about.
