Autism is a neurobehavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to communicate and relate. This disorder causes many limitations to the person who suffers from it and, consequently, also indirectly affects those around them. Regardless of the life stage in which this condition is diagnosed, we must learn to treat it to have the best possible quality of life.
What types of autism exist? What are the characteristics of autism? Do you want to know more about that topic? In this Psychology-Online article, we are going to help you better understand about what is autism in adults, the symptoms, how the diagnosis and treatment are made.
Symptoms of autism in adults
Autism, also known as (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder, that is, a neurological disorder. The symptoms of autism in adults are basically manifested by the following signs or behaviors:
- Social interaction deficit.
- Language and communication difficulties.
- Repetitive behavior and interests.
These three areas are the most affected by autistic disorders. When we talk about autism there is a classic image reproduced in movies, series and books, creating a stereotype of autism and cannot be seen as an absolute truth. Autism is not a unique dysfunctionbut a set of problems that suffer variations in intensity and type.
Types of autism in adults
Depending on the neurological disorder suffered, the following may manifest in adults:
- Asperger syndrome: People have difficulties with social interaction, communication and carry out repetitive behaviors. Their cognitive and language abilities are relatively preserved and some may present IQ levels above average. An individual with Asperger syndrome can lead an independent life without problems.
- classic autism: the traits of autism in adults in these cases are the deficiency of cognitive and social abilities, that is, there is a moderate to severe degree of difficulties in social interaction, communication and behavior.
- Regressive type autism: individuals who developed normally up to approximately one and a half years and in three years suffered a regression in language and behavior, becoming autistic.
How autism is diagnosed in adults
If we think that a child begins to show signs of irregular training, then, according to his or her age, the professional who can diagnose autism would be the developmental pediatrician. When we think about the adult phase, an adult with autism may have had a complicated childhood and adolescence, with feelings of not fitting in with groups, feeling like they have different interests from the majority, and difficulty starting and maintaining friendships.
So, this adult needs a diagnosis to make sure of his condition and allow him to understand his difficulties and identify his limitations. In this case, the diagnosis can be made by a specialized psychologistwho will apply specific diagnostic tests.
Autism test in adults
Diagnostic tests are instruments used for research that aim to direct the hypotheses raised by the professional. When a psychologist receives his client, the adult autism test to diagnose the disorder includes the following procedures
- Interviews with the client.
- Interview with the family, although not always.
- Application of tests that the professional considers necessary to conclude his diagnosis.
Autism treatment in adults
Depending on the person and their symptoms, autism treatment in adults will be different. It is important to know that there are various methodologies to address it. Next, we will look at how to treat autism in adults with medications, psychotherapy, and ABA therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis.
Medications for autism in adults
Regarding the treatment of autism in adults, it is known that there is no medicine aimed at improving the symptoms of autism, such as difficulty in interaction and . Even so, there are medicines that are prescribed to contain some behaviors that can be seen as problematic, that is, aggressive behavior or a , among others.
The medications used to treat autism in adults they are:
- Antipsychotics.
- Antidepressant: serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Stimulants and other medications for hyperactivity.
There are studies indicating that medications can help reduce emotional suffering, aggression, hyperactivity or other symptoms. The goal of these drug treatments is to help adults with autism.
Psychotherapy for autism in adults
The behavior of autistic people is often not speaking or repeating phrases out of context many times. Therefore, individualized treatment is important, according to the limitations presented by each person. There are quite effective behavioral treatments that can help children and adults overcome their difficulties.
Psychotherapy as a treatment for autism in adults helps in the following areas:
- Stimulate social behaviors: eye contact and functional communication.
- Encourage academic behaviors: incentive to the habit of reading, writing and mathematics.
- Learning routine activities: personal hygiene
- Reduction of problem behaviors: assaults, self-harm, verbal attacks and others.
ABA Therapy for Autism in Adults
Among the treatments for autism in adults, there is ABA therapy, a technique with scientific evidence to treat cases of autism. Specifically, it consists of perform applied behavior analysis focused on reinforcing positive behaviors.
This technique aims to teach the autistic person, in an intensive and individualized way, the necessary skills so that the individual can acquire independence and a better quality of life.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Autism in adults: symptoms, diagnosis and treatmentwe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Porto Alegre: Artmed.
- Benitez, P., Albuquerque, I., Manoni, N., Ribeiro, A., Bondioli, Ri. (2020). Center for learning and development: interdisciplinary case study in ABA. Psychology: theory and practice, 22(1), 351-367. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1980-6906/psicologia.v22n1p351-367
- Fraga, I. (2010). Autism remains an enigma. Science Magazine Hoje, 21-25
- National Institutes of Health. Autism medication treatment. Retrieved from: http://espanol.nichd.nih.gov