Today, autism is defined under the term “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD), as it presents in a highly heterogeneous way. Even though this disability is generally identified in childhood, a late diagnosis can be made in adulthood. So let’s find out together what the symptoms and the support options for this disorder are.
700,000 people with ASD in France
According to the French National Authority for Health, neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect 5% of the population, or 35,000 births per year. This includes people with intellectual development disorders, DYS disorders (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia…), Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD), and ASD.
ASD accounts for between 0.9% and 1.2% of births, or 7,500 babies each year. France currently has around 100,000 young people under 20 affected, and nearly 600,000 adults.
The link between NDDs and ASD is explained by the co-occurrence of several disorders at once. For example, 30 to 40% of autistic people also have an intellectual development disorder, and 40 to 60% have a cognitive or learning disorder.
The “hidden” symptoms of autism in adulthood
The manifestations of autism are varied and highly heterogeneous. Expressed with more or less severity, they depend on how severe the disorder is, the quality of the person’s environment, and the educational measures put in place.
Generally, the first signs are noticeable around age 3, but they may also only be identified in adulthood. In such cases, a person doesn’t become autistic, but is diagnosed as such. This can happen when the autistic person doesn’t have an intellectual disability. Their symptoms are then mistaken for shyness, anxiety or sensitivity.
Anca Ichim, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (B.C.B.A) with VAINCRE L’AUTISME, explains that “the main manifestations in adulthood can include persistent difficulties with social relationships (forming bonds, maintaining long-term relationships, understanding social codes, understanding humour and sarcasm), a lack of empathy, difficulty reading other people’s intentions, and hyper- or hypo-sensitivity (to light, noise, smells, touch).”
Diagnosis and support for adults with ASD
Diagnosing an adult with ASD is done in 4 parts: the first two involve gathering general information about how the person functions and how they understand and experience their physical, sensory and social environment; the last two aim to collect information about their independence.
Still underdeveloped and lacking structure, support for autistic adults has been the subject of recommendations from health authorities, particularly around cognitive behavioural interventions. With the help of qualified professionals, such as those at Ora Visio, the goal is to improve their social skills, their behaviour and emotions with others, as well as managing anger, anxiety and resistance to change.
