Understanding Autism in Adults

When most people think about autism, they often picture young children navigating early development and mental health. But autism is not something a person “outgrows.”

Rather, it is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Today, more and more adults are recognizing themselves in the broader and richer spectrum of autism, sometimes after years or even decades without a diagnosis. The number of adults diagnosed with autism has been growing a lot in recent years. In the United States, it’s estimated that about 2.2% of adults are considered to be autistic. That’s around 5.4 million adults according to CDC data (2020). Many adults are only diagnosed later in life, sometimes in their 30s, 40s, 50s, or even older. This is true especially women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals who were often missed under older diagnostic guidelines.

Historically, autism was narrowly defined, often through a male-centered lens, which meant many individuals (especially women, non-binary people, and people of color) were overlooked.

In modern day, the growing understanding and research has expanded the criteria, allowing many who were previously missed to finally find language and assessments for their experiences. Some adults seek a diagnosis after a child is diagnosed, recognizing familiar patterns in themselves.

Others may explore the possibility of being autistic after years of struggling with unexplained challenges in work, relationships, or mental health. For many, receiving a diagnosis may feel validating and freeing, offering some self acceptance. But it can also bring challenges, such as grief for years spent misunderstood, anger at missed opportunities, or confusion about how to integrate this new understanding into one’s identity. Wherever one is in his, her or their journey, feelings are valid and understandable! 

What is Autism in Adults?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how people communicate, interact socially, and experience the world around them. In adults, it might show up differently than it does in children. Some common traits include:

• Difficulty with social cues: Struggling with small talk, maintaining eye contact, or reading body language.
• Sensory sensitivities: Being overwhelmed by loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures.
  Strong focus on interests: Deep passion for specific topics, hobbies, or activities.
• Preference for routines: Finding comfort in predictability and distress when routines are disrupted.
• Challenges with emotional regulation: Feeling easily overwhelmed or needing time to recover from social situations.
• Challenges with relationships: Might miss or misunderstand body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, or unspoken “rules” in conversation.

As an adult with autism, it is common to have to “mask” symptoms, the conscious or unconscious effort to hide autistic traits and mimic “neurotypical” behaviors. Masking can help autistic individuals fit in socially, but it often comes at a steep emotional and physical cost. Masking is when an autistic person suppresses their natural behaviors to appear more socially typical. This can involve:

• Forcing eye contact even when it feels uncomfortable
• Practicing facial expressions and body language to seem more “normal”
• Memorizing conversation scripts or social rules
• Hiding stimming behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking
• Pretending to be less sensitive to sensory input like loud noises or bright light

Masking usually develops as a survival strategy.

From a young age, autistic people receive messages that their natural way of being is “wrong” or “weird.” To avoid bullying, exclusion, or punishment, many learn to adapt. In adulthood, masking can help navigate workplaces, relationships, and social events. The good news is that as accommodations and growing awareness is taking place in the society, the need to mask is becoming less necessary! Adult autism advocacy today is a powerful, necessary movement. It is driven by people who are not asking for permission to exist and they are demanding a better world, for themselves and for the generations to come! Autistic adults are standing up, speaking out, and reshaping the way society understands autism , not as a childhood disorder to “fix,” but as a lifelong neurotype to accept, respect, and support.

Autism in adulthood is a rich and varied experience, filled with unique strengths and perspectives.

As awareness grows, so does the opportunity to build a world that values neurodiversity! Whether diagnosed early or late, autistic adults deserve the same compassion, accommodations, and opportunities as anyone else. The more we learn and listen, the better we can create a truly inclusive society. Autism doesn’t end at 18. It’s a lifelong, dynamic way of experiencing the world. By better understanding autism in adults, we can foster deeper empathy, celebrate neurodiversity, and support everyone in living authentically!

Start Autism Treatment for Adults in Colorado

If you or a loved one would like support with autism spectrum disorder, reach out to Mountain Vista Psychology today to talk with a highly trained mental health professional! Our team is happy to offer support in Englewood, Littleton, Greenwood Village, and across the state. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Schedule a free phone consultation
2. Meet with a caring therapist
3. Start cultivating deeper empathy & authentic connections!

Other Services Offered by Mountain Vista Psychology

Therapy for autism isn’t the only service that our team offers.  At Mountain Vista Psychology, we provide many services to help empower individuals on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. We are happy to offer trauma therapy, child counseling, adult counseling, family counseling, & more. We also provide Neurofeedback Therapy services for Neurofeedback for ADHD, Neurofeedback for Autism, Neurofeedback for Concussion/ TBI, and Neurofeedback for Sports/Performance. Our team also provides testing for learning disabilities, and ADHD. Be sure to check out our Blog and FAQs for more about us and our services!