5 Signs of Autism That Often Get Overlooked in Late Diagnosis

1. Making friends is like a game of musical chairs – overwhelming and exhausting for autistics. Socializing in bars, cafes, and sports events? Not our jam, too much sensory overload. Friends have to be patient and come to us.
2. Why so darn tired? Masking our true selves is like a never-ending performance. We have to act "normal" and it’s exhausting.
3. Autistics process info slower, but we’re just as smart as the next person. Need more time to answer questions, but we’ll get there.
4. Communicating can be frustrating. We don’t always get the implied meaning in conversations. Straight talk is easier for us to understand.
5. Needing alone time is not the same as being introverted. The world is noisy for us, so we need time to control our environment and recharge.

Difficulty in Making and Keeping Friends 🤝

Challenges in Social Situations

Autistics often find it challenging to make and keep friends due to difficulties in socializing. They have a hard time in group settings, often needing to mask their true selves in order to fit in. This can be exhausting and lead to overthinking social events, making socializing stressful and exhausting.

Sensitivity to Sensory Stimuli

Autistics are sensitive to sensory stimuli, making places like bars, cafes, and restaurants overwhelming. The constant barrage of sounds and visual stimuli can be distressing for them, making it difficult to stay in these settings for long periods of time.

Why Am I Always So Darn Tired? 😴

Challenges with Masking

Autistics find the process of masking their true selves exhausting as they constantly need to pretend to be someone they are not. This can be mentally draining and lead to feelings of tiredness.

Need for Rest and Reset

Autistics often need to take breaks to reset themselves, a process that helps them calm their brains and prepare for the next task.

Why Does It Take Me Long to Process Things? 🤔

Difficulty in Processing Information

Autistics can find it challenging to process information, especially in high-pressure situations. They may need longer periods of time to answer questions or make decisions, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed.

Overwhelm and Pressure

The weight of processing multiple questions or comments at once can lead to autistic individuals feeling suffocated and unable to function effectively.

Why Is Communicating with Others So Frustrating? 🗣️

Struggles with Communication Style

Autistics often have their own unique communication style, making it difficult for them to understand the implied meanings often used in conversations. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration in social interactions.

Challenges with Sarcasm and Jokes

Sarcasm and jokes can be particularly challenging for autistics, sometimes leading to confusion and misunderstanding in social situations.

Why Do I Spend So Much Time by Myself? 🏡

Need for Alone Time

Autistics, regardless of introverted or extroverted tendencies, often require extensive alone time to reset and control their environment. This helps them manage sensory challenges and avoid mental exhaustion.

Control Over Environment

Spending time alone allows autistics to focus on their needs without the distractions and overwhelming stimuli present in social settings.

In conclusion, these overlooked signs of autism paint a clear picture of the challenges faced by late-diagnosed autistics. Understanding and recognizing these signs is essential in providing support and creating a more inclusive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum.