Autism Test
I tend to notice patterns that others often overlook.
I feel most comfortable when I stick to familiar routines.
Social cues that aren't explicitly stated can be hard for me to pick up on.
Sometimes people think I'm being impolite even when that's not my intention.
I have intense hobbies or topics that completely capture my attention.
Physical sensations like clothing textures can feel overwhelming to me.
Making direct eye contact doesn't come naturally to me.
Casual conversation flows easily for me.
Others sometimes say I take things too literally.
During discussions, I often struggle to know when it's appropriate for me to speak.
When I'm anxious, repetitive motions help calm me down.
Changes to my usual schedule can really throw me off.
I enjoy gathering detailed information about specific subjects.
I sometimes copy how others act to fit in better.
I can usually sense what people are feeling without them telling me.
I could discuss my favorite subjects endlessly.
I frequently don't catch when someone's words have a hidden meaning.
Some everyday sounds feel much more intense to me than they do to other people.
Group conversations with multiple participants can be challenging for me.
Visualizing things that aren't physically present isn't easy for me.
20 questions remaining
What to Know
- People with autism have trouble with social skills, like reading nonverbal cues, have limited interests or do the same things over and over again, and have trouble processing sensory information. It is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms can be different types and levels of severity.
- A person with more severe symptoms or a comorbid intellectual disability is more likely to receive a diagnosis during childhood. Less severe symptoms, along with average or above-average intelligence, might mean that the diagnosis doesn't happen until adulthood.
- Autism is a developmental disorder, so the first signs of it show up in children. People who get diagnosed as adults often remember feeling different from others, even if their symptoms weren't noticed when they were kids.
- For some people, being diagnosed as an adult is a relief. For others, though, it brings up feelings of guilt, anger, or regret for lost time. Therapy can help adults who have just been diagnosed understand their feelings and learn to accept themselves.
- Autism is a real problem and has been thought of as a disorder in the past. But in the past few years, many autistic adults have supported neurodiversity, saying that autistic behaviors are normal cognitive differences that should be accepted, not fixed.
- Learning about the different ways autism can show up and talking to other autistic adults can help someone who has just been diagnosed with autism find ways to deal with their problems while also accepting their unique strengths.
What to Do
- Get an evaluation. It's never too late to find out if you have autism, and doing so can help you get treatment and support that could change your life.
- Think about going to therapy. A mental health professional can help you learn how to deal with problems and accept yourself, even if you haven't been formally diagnosed.
- Connect with people who are like you: Groups of people with autism symptoms, whether online or in person, can help you feel understood and supported.
