**Detecting autism in adults: Understanding the subtle signs**
Discovering autism as an adult is often a major challenge for many people. Some manage to live for decades without even suspecting their neuroatypicality. This complex reality raises many questions about the nature of autism in adults and the challenges they may face on a daily basis.
The process of diagnosing autism in adults is inherently complex. Many people only learned about their neuroatypicality as adults, after years of struggling to understand some of their idiosyncrasies. Among the most common difficulties autistic adults may face, hypersensitivity to experiences takes center stage.
People with autism feel emotions intensely, which can sometimes lead to difficulty managing them. Social interactions can also be problematic, especially when it comes to communication, small talk, metaphors, and eye contact.
A common characteristic among autistic adults is their unconditional love for animals. Animals, through their unconditional acceptance, often provide a welcome respite to individuals with autism, helping them manage the anxiety and stress of daily life.
**Subtle signs that can reveal autism in adults**
1. *Intense compassion and empathy*: Contrary to a common misconception that autistic people lack empathy, adults with autism can instead feel emotions deeply.
2. *Inappropriate laughter*: Nervous or inappropriate laughter in autistic adults can sometimes reflect difficulty managing emotional stress.
3. *Lack of fear of danger*: A lack of fear of danger can sometimes be observed in autistic adults, who have their own way of perceiving the world around them.
4. *Better contact with animals*: Interactions with animals can often be easier for autistic adults than social interactions with other individuals.
5. *Strange or uncomfortable postures*: Sensory processing disorders are common in autistic adults, which can result in unusual or uncomfortable postures.
6. *Special interests and hyperfocus*: Autistic adults may be prone to very specific interests and hyperfocus on a particular topic.
Detecting the subtle signs of autism in adults remains a challenge, but a better understanding of these particularities can allow better care and support adapted to these individuals.. Becoming aware of neurological diversity and the richness of human experiences constitutes a first step towards a more inclusive and caring society towards all its members, whatever their particularities.