What if you find out you have autism spectrum disorder as an adult? Let's talk about this!

Do you often feel exhausted and drained of energy when you are in a social setting or when you are talking to others? Sometimes you may think, "This is just how I am" or "I am a little different from others." You may even blame yourself for these differences and the difficulty you have in facing society. But behind these things, there may be a medical reason that you do not think about, namely, autism spectrum disorder , which is diagnosed in adulthood.

Why couldn't I recognize this until I was an adult?

Many people may wonder, "Autism is something that is recognized in childhood, right? How can it be missed until adulthood?" In fact, autism is not a condition with a single set of symptoms. It is more like a spectrum. Some people are diagnosed at a very young age because the symptoms are so severe that they are recognized at a young age. But for others, these symptoms are very subtle. They do well in everyday activities, study, and work. Therefore, these symptoms can be mistaken for being part of their personality or for another condition, for example, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or anxiety.

Imagine a mother who knows her own children have autism, but never thought she might have the condition. For years, she thought her child had a fear of social interactions, or that habits like nail biting and hair twirling were just her 'quirks'. But these could actually be signs of autism.

What is 'Autistic Burnout'?

This intense fatigue and exhaustion is a major issue that many people diagnosed with autism face in adulthood. This is called 'autistic burnout' .

Simply put, this is what happens: As a person with autism, your social cues and behavior are a little different. But from a young age, you try to be like everyone else. You try hard to "mask" your true self, to fit in, to laugh and talk with everyone, and to join in on their jokes.

Think of it like playing a character you don't like all day long. When you live like this, hiding your true identity for years, your mind and body feel an unbearable strain. That's what we call ' autism burnout'.

This is why you should always:

• You may feel very tired and lack energy .
• Symptoms of depression may appear.
• Anxiety may increase.
• Sometimes you may feel like you're bored with life.

Many people seek medical advice because of this 'burnout'. They seek help after an incident, such as when they wonder, "Why don't I have the energy like everyone else?" or when they are reprimanded by a boss for missing a social cue at work.

What are the symptoms that can be missed in adult autism?

You may even think that these traits are part of your personality. See if these are familiar to you.

Why do women miss symptoms?

Not only in our society, but all over the world, autism is under-diagnosed in women and girls. The main reason for this is that women are better at masking/camouflaging their symptoms than men. They observe how people behave in society and try to behave the same way. So on the outside they look normal. But on the inside they are suffering. Because of this, a woman may have to fight harder to get a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis and what to do next?

If you suspect you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is talk to your trusted doctor about it. He or she may refer you to a mental health counselor, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Doctors use the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) guidelines to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This involves a thorough discussion of your symptoms, behavior patterns, and childhood experiences.

Don't be afraid after receiving a diagnosis. It's not the end of your life; it's a new beginning.

1. Understand yourself: You will find an answer to the question, "Why have I been like this for so long?" You will lose your anger and frustration with yourself, and you will feel compassion and understanding for yourself.

2. Practical help: There are simple things you can do to help your senses. For example, using noise-canceling headphones when going to crowded places. Wearing sunglasses to protect yourself from bright light.

3. Identify strengths: People with autism can use their strong attention to and interest in specific things as a strength.

4. Finding community: Nowadays, through the internet, you can find other people who have similar experiences to you. Talking to them will make you feel less lonely.