Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobiological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests also characterize it. ASD can range from very mild to severe.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the diagnosis and treatment of ASD. The best approach is to work with a team of specialists who can evaluate the individual and create a treatment plan that meets their specific needs. Various treatment options are available for ASD, including behavioral therapy, medication, and educational interventions. You can check out clinical trials at Power if you’re looking for additional treatment options for adult autism.
Signs and symptoms of autism in adults
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. The symptoms of autism vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Some common symptoms of autism in adults include:
- Difficulty with social interaction
- Difficulty with communication
- Repetitive or restrictive behaviors
- Poor eye contact
- Avoidance of physical contact
- Unusual body posturing or movement
- Resistance to change
- Difficulty in understanding sarcasm or jokes
- Literal interpretation of language
- Obsessive interests
- Inflexible thinking
- Hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to sensory input
If you or someone you know is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. Autism is a lifelong condition, but with early diagnosis and intervention, many people with autism can lead happy, healthy, and productive lives.
Diagnosis of autism in adults
As autism prevalence rates continue to climb, more and more adults are seeking diagnosis and treatment for the first time. While the process can be daunting, understanding the diagnostic criteria for autism can help give you a better idea of what to expect. The most common assessment tools for autism are the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
Both are structured interviews that are conducted by trained clinicians. The ADOS looks at social interaction, communication, and play/imagination, while the ADI-R focuses on questions about the individual’s history.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a standardized assessment used by clinicians to diagnose autism in individuals over the age of two. ADOS is considered the gold standard in autism diagnosis and has been shown to be reliable and valid in numerous studies. The ADOS consists of four modules, each of which assesses different areas of social and communication functioning. The ADOS is administered by a trained clinician and takes approximately one hour to complete. A diagnosis of autism is made based on the individual’s performance on the ADOS, along with information from other sources (e.g., medical history, developmental history, clinical interview).
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a gold-standard assessment tool for diagnosing autism in individuals 18 years and older. The ADI-R consists of a semi-structured interview with a trained clinician and focuses on three areas of functioning: reciprocal social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. The ADI-R has excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability and has been found to have high validity in distinguishing between individuals with and without autism.
Treatment for Adult Autism
There is no one-size-fits-all autism treatment, but there are many options available to help people with autism manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Some common autism treatments include:
Behavior therapy
Behavior therapy is an evidence-based treatment for autism that focuses on improving communication and social skills. There are many different types of behavior therapy, but all share the goal of helping individuals with autism interact more effectively with the world around them.
Behavior therapy can be used to treat a wide range of symptoms associated with autism, including social skills deficits, communication difficulties, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. While there is no cure for autism, behavior therapy can be an effective treatment for many individuals with the condition.
Speech therapy
Speech therapy is an important part of treatment for adult autism. While each individual with autism is unique, there are some common challenges that can be addressed with speech therapy. These include difficulty with social communication, difficulty with making eye contact, and difficulty with understanding and using body language.
Speech therapy can help an individual with autism improve their communication skills. This may include teaching them how to make eye contact, how to start and carry on a conversation, and how to interpret and use body language. Speech therapy can also help an individual with autism to improve their understanding of communication. This may include helping them to interpret the meaning of words and gestures and to understand the subtleties of communication.
Speech therapy is an important part of treatment for adult autism and can help an individual with autism improve their communication skills.
Occupational therapy
While there is no “cure” for autism, occupational therapy (OT) can help people with ASD develop skills and strategies to improve their quality of life.
OT for adults with ASD can focus on skill development in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure. Self-care skills may include dressing, grooming, and toileting. Productivity skills may include cooking, cleaning, and budgeting. Leisure skills may include social skills, hobbies, and recreation.