Exploring the Possibility of Difficulty: Can One Associate with Autistic Characteristics?

Exploring the Possibility of Difficulty: Can One Associate with Autistic Characteristics?

Am I a mini autistic? - Nah, mate. Autism isn't about a smattering of quirks - it's a neurodevelopmental difference that shapes someone's thought process, communication style, sensory experience, and general life navigation.

People sometimes use the term "a little autistic" casually to describe traits like being sensitive to loud noises, enjoying structure, or having a strong passion. But let's be clear: This usage is misleading. Autism isn't a collection of cute traits - it's a big deal that brings numerous daily struggles for many autistic individuals.

Autism researcher Dr. Nancy Doyle puts it straight: You're either autistic, or you aren't - and it ain't about being "a little bit autistic." Using the "pregnancy" analogy, you can't be "a little bit pregnant" – you either hit the threshold or you don't.

So, while you might have autistic-like traits, remember that only those who meet the full, clinical pattern of criteria - and whose lives are significantly impacted by these traits - are considered autistic.

What Are Autistic Traits vs. Being Autistic?

Many people see themselves in descriptions of autism. Maybe you're all about structure, avoid eye contact, or get deeply immersed in specific interests. But having a few autistic-like traits doesn't automatically mean you're autistic.

Autism is more than just a hang-up-you'll find it in persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and developmental differences that affect daily life.

Individuals may relate to individual traits without meeting the diagnostic threshold. For example, a person who doesn't enjoy busy spaces or sudden noise may not be autistic if it doesn't disrupt their functioning. Similarly, someone who enjoys their own company and avoids small talk might be socially anxious, not autistic.

The difference lies in the pattern, intensity, and impact of the traits. Autistic people often face difficulties understanding unspoken social rules, deep focus on specific topics, heightened sensitivity to sensory input, and a need for routine. They might also experience distress when faced with unexpected changes.

Autism Isn't a Spectrum

Autism isn't a linear spectrum ranging from "mild" to "severe." Instead, it's a collection of traits that vary in combination and intensity among individuals, so no two cases are exactly alike.

Diagnosing Autism in Adults

Since there's no blood test or brain scan for autism, diagnosis is based on behavior, developmental history, and self-report. An adult assessment may involve self-assessment tools, clinical interviews about social communication, sensory experiences, and routines, input from someone who knew you as a child (if available), and standardized diagnostic tools like the ADOS-2 or ADI-R.

Why Autism Might Go Undiagnosed Until Adulthood

Many autistic adults weren't identified as children for reasons such as stereotypes, masking, co-occurring conditions, or lack of awareness. Autism was once linked only to nonverbal boys, so people who spoke fluently, did well in school, or had socially acceptable interests were overlooked.

Masking refers to when autistic individuals learn to hide their autistic traits, such as through memorizing social rules, forced eye contact, or hiding sensory overwhelm (especially among women, nonbinary folks, and people of color). Autism may also be misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or personality disorders.

Common Signs You Might Be Autistic

Here are common signs that make many adults consider whether they're on the spectrum:

• Social communication differences: Small talk can be confusing or exhausting, and you might have trouble reading unspoken social cues or following diplomacy.
• Strong routines or rituals: Changes in plans trigger distress, and you thrive on predictability and specific ways of doing everyday tasks.
• Intense interests: You dive deep into hobbies or subjects and talk about them with passion, sometimes not realizing others aren't equally enthusiastic.
• Sensory sensitivity or seeking: You might be overwhelmed by noise, light, or texture (or crave certain sensations like deep pressure or repetition).
• Burnout or shutdowns: You've experienced intense fatigue, withdrawal, or emotional crashed after long periods of masking or stress.

These traits don't guarantee autism, but if they're consistent, lifelong, and impact your functioning, it might be worth exploring further.

What Happens If You Discover You're Autistic?

Realizing you're autistic can be illuminating. Many people feel validated by understanding themselves better, while others may feel grief over missed support and years of masking. This process may also lead to imposter syndrome, especially if you've been high-masking or learning about autism for the first time.

Steps to Consider if You Believe You Might Be Autistic

1. Reflect on your experiences. Journaling or discussing your experiences with trusted folks can help you identify patterns.
2. Educate yourself through autistic voices. Check out books, blogs, or videos by autistic adults like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) or writers like Dr. Devon Price or Sarah Hendrickx.
3. Consider seeking an assessment if it's right for you. A diagnosis can open doors to support and legal accommodations, but it's not accessible for everyone. Self-identification is a valid path for many.
4. Find a community online or locally to connect with others who understand what you're going through.
5. Adjust your environment to make it more comfortable, such as using noise-canceling headphones or setting clearer boundaries.
6. Be kind to yourself! Remember, you've always been autistic-you've just found a way to understand it. Give yourself time to process and grow into this new identity.

Final Thoughts

It's not about being "a little autistic." Autism is a neurotype, distinct from the general population. But if you relate to autistic experiences and want to explore further, you're not alone.

Learning you might be autistic can bring clarity, empowerment, and healing. Regardless of whether you're pursuing a diagnosis or delving deeper into yourself, the journey can lead to greater self-acceptance-and maybe even joy in your differences.

As one autistic adult put it: "I'm not broken. I'm autistic. And that explains everything."

1. Psychology plays a significant role in understanding autism, as it's a neurodevelopmental difference that shapes an individual's thought process, communication style, sensory experience, and life navigation.
2. The misperception exists that being "a little autistic" is a valid definition, but in reality, one is either autistic or not.
3. Autism brings numerous daily struggles for many individuals, going beyond a collection of cute traits.
4. It's essential to differentiate between autistic traits and being autistic, as having a few traits does not automatically mean one is autistic.
5. Autism is characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and developmental differences that affect daily life.
6. Self-identification is possible for those who relate to autistic experiences without meeting the full diagnostic criteria, as long as the traits don't significantly disrupt their functioning.
7. Social anxiety, for example, might cause a person to avoid small talk but not necessarily lead to an autism diagnosis.
8. Autistic people often struggle with understanding unspoken social rules, maintaining a deep focus on specific topics, heightened sensitivity to sensory input, and a need for routine.
9. Autism is not a linear spectrum, ranging from "mild" to "severe," but rather a collection of traits that vary in combination and intensity among individuals.
10. Diagnosis of autism in adults is based on behavior, developmental history, self-report, and standardized diagnostic tools like ADOS-2 or ADI-R.
11. Autism may go undiagnosed until adulthood due to factors such as stereotypes, masking, co-occurring conditions, or lack of awareness.
12. Stigma and masking can make it difficult for autistic individuals to show their true selves, especially among women, nonbinary folks, and people of color.
13. Autism can be misdiagnosed as conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or personality disorders.
14. Common signs that make many adults consider whether they're on the autism spectrum include social communication differences, strong routines, intense interests, sensory sensitivity, and experiences of burnout or shutdowns.
15. A diagnosis can provide clarity, empowerment, and access to support and accommodations, but self-identification can also be a valid path for many.
16. Steps to consider if one believes they might be autistic include reflecting on experiences, educating oneself, seeking an assessment (if accessible), finding a community, adjusting the environment, and being kind to oneself.
17. Workplace wellness programs, medical conditions, and chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, eye-health issues, hearing problems, and skin conditions can all impact mental health.
18. Therapies and treatments such as CBD, nutrition, and skin care can help manage symptoms of mental health conditions like migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological disorders.
19. Mental health is an integral part of overall health and wellness, requiring attention to factors like fitness and exercise, mental health, and self-care practices like skin care.

Read also: