The Common Signs of Autism in Adults - Could You Be Autistic and Not Know it?

Hi! I'm Orion Kelly and I'm Autistic. On this video I explore some of the most common signs of #autism in adults, and how they can present differently in men and women. Plus, I share my personal lived experiences as an #actuallyautistic person. #orionkelly #autismsigns #whatautismfeelslike #asd #autisticadult

⏱ Index:
00:00 - Autism in adults
02:06 - Adult diagnosis
04:36 - Common signs of autism in adults
16:42 - Autism assessment for adults

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ABOUT ORION:
Orion Kelly is an #ActuallyAutistic vlogger (YouTuber), podcaster, radio host, actor, keynote speaker and Autistic advocate based in Australia. Orion is all about helping you increase your understanding, acceptance and appreciation of Autistic people.

#AutisticVoices #ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #Autism #OrionKelly #ThatAutisticGuy #ASD

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[skyesmith]

Self diagnosing is so important cause it gives you tools to be able to advocate for yourself when talking to doctors who say shit like “you can’t be autistic cause you can speak”

[troyschoultz]

I’m 55, and I’ve often wondered why I am the way I am. I was kind of a wreck, especially my high school years, but was never diagnosed as autistic. I have forced myself over the years to read people, make eye contact, and become quite sociable because I hated the way I was. But I can’t deny that I’ve always felt different. I can’t hold conversations in crowded rooms. I hate the sound of motorcycles. I really have to prepare myself for visitors coming over. I can never achieve my ideal routine, etc. I’ve been depressed for the most part as long as I recall, but there have been saving moments of joy here and there to make things bearable.

[whitneymason]

My son was diagnosed with autism level 3 at age 2 and he's now 4 years old. I went onto YouTube for support and advice on raising a child with autism and I kept getting suggested videos on autism in adults and in females. I finally clicked and almost had a panic attack once I realized I'm on the spectrum too. Throughout my life most doctors thought my behavior came from my childhood trauma and diagnosed me with severe social anxiety, depression, OCD and I began to consider myself a bit of a basket case. I actually just got my autism diagnosis at age 30 this past summer. Now family members and extended family members are beginning to see their place on the spectrum as well. I'm so very grateful for my son for helping me discover this and I hope it will help me be a better parent to him and get him the support he needs and deserves. Thanks for sharing this information, very helpful!

[t.ht.h]

Honesty, Blunt, desinterested
Struggle with small Talk
Take thinks literally
Difficulties with emotions
Struggle Reading Others
Lacks Friendships
Avoiding eye contact
Personal Space
Social Anxiety
Routines And Plans
Difficulties Multitasking
Heightened senses (Sensory overload)
Easily distracted
Mental illness
Meltdowns And shutdowns
Challenges with executive function
Clumsy, uncoordinated
Fatigue And Burnout

[vinetamer]

I actually became angry about my medical record showing anxiety disorder, depression. I have been feeling shame my whole life for not “getting my act together”.

[Concertina]

I don't have friends either but that's because I don't want them. There's too much pressure to maintain friendships. You're expected to keep in regular contact, for example. And do things with them that most of the time you don't want to do. I'm happiest on my own when I can do what I want without interruptions or distractions.

[rocksolid]

I love being alone and don't like taking trips anywhere. I got literally sick and tired of being around others demanding that I wasn't doing enough, and always being needled and chastized. The only downside is that I will die alone when my time comes.

[stevenbakos]

I’m 49 and it took me an entire year to find a neuropsychiatrist that tests adults. I was finally diagnosed with Aspergers just 2 weeks ago. Totally made absolutely everything clear as to why I always behaved the ways I did/do.

[roberthonan]

Learning at 57 that I'm autistic makes me a part of that lost generation.

[Lessontobe]

I am a female senior citizen and did not realize I am atypical until my Grandson's diagnosis. My son is, I believe also on the spectrum. We are all highly functional and I believe these are the people who do not get diagnosed.

[kaleidojess]

I'm almost 100% sure I have high functioning autism. I'm surprised I've masked so well that people don't suspect it and just think I'm weird or eccentric, usually in a good way.

[Michaelthom]

I'm autistic and my daughter is and my granddaughter is. I have a different experience than what you described. I have a few sensory issues with clothing like I have never worn shorts or gone without shoes even in the house. I hate wearing jewelry, but I'm the opposite with everything else. I love textures and I have many stims that are texture-seeking. I am attracted to and cannot perform tasks as well without complex noise, like death metal. I never experience fatigue, in fact I have trouble getting tired. I am 52 years old and still find napping during the day or at night impossible. I have trouble falling asleep and must take melatonin to do so. I get hyperfocused and accomplish many tasks. I am a very advanced oil painter and artist, sculptor, I play many instruments on what most consider an advanced level. I read books obsessively. I can read a 1000-page book in a day if I have a day off. I write novels and they've been reviewed overall with mostly 5 starsbooks. I am a recording engineer and master of the software used, as well as Photoshop and Illustrator. I have worked as a graphic designer for 8 years of my life. I can sew very well to the point of making clothing well. I have rebuilt car engines and transmissions. I am a very accomplished cook. I Bartended for many years and excelled at it due to my masking abilities. I can do many many things extremely well beyond the ordinary people I encounter, but I am autistic. I was often beaten up in school for my social awkwardness. I still slip sometimes and I infodump like crazy (doing it now). I don't know what all this means but I remember some of the feelings you describe in my very younger years. Many people often misread my facial expressions and when I emote it's kind of an act because I have to tell myself to do it, but it is authentic because I hate being disingenuous.

[BecomeConsciousNow]

I think the strongest sign of autism is the lack of ability or skill in reading social situations. Difficulty in reading peoples behaviour and a lack of skill in social interactions. I suffer from severe anxiety, so I can identify with a number of the signs of autism but I definitely don't consider myself autistic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, very interesting.

[MattDavey]

I said yes to everything! lol But I already knew i was ASD, but undiagnosed. Also very dyslexic. I'm in my 50's now and have learned to live with all this stuff - mostly lol. I can still have my meltdowns and long depressions if I am not careful. And social anxiety is still a killer!
Great video :)

[EyespenNoFear]

"Look at it like a color wheel of infinite colors"

In ASL, the sign for autism is "colorful mind" and I absolutely love it!

[DinaZala]

As for personal space, I am opposite.. I am overly aware and makes me feel uncomfortable if people are too close to me... it causes anxiety. But person accidently brush up while passing me or accidentally touch me, it is almost painful.

[jeannettebehel]

My 72 year old husband is struggling with dementia and he is exhibiting many of these autistic traits. These traits are new behaviors and were not present earlier in his life. Thanks for sharing your insights.

[chloerhodes]

personally I think it should encouraged for people to find out on their own if they are autistic considering that getting diagnosed is not an option for all people its really expensive, it's really intimidating, and doctors will often misdiagnose on purpose to have you sustain your life

[usedcolouringbook]

Quarantine was just a series of burnouts and meltdowns for me and I had no idea why. It's because of video's like this that have helped me understand why it feels like I wasn't in control of my life. I've come to accept that I'm probably part of the undiagnosed "lost" generation of adults and that I just need to work within my means and not other people's expectations.

[susanbeever]

Great points. Here in the U.S. I doubt any gp would have a clue about the broad spectrum of autism.