When a child is diagnosed with autism, there is a period of mourning for what might have been. It could be likened to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s five stages of death and dying: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. When an adult is newly diagnosed with autism, it is likely to be a relief, the steadying of putting a name on a problem, the door to a more fulfilling life, and a kind of catharsis. Life looks clearer, its blurry focus becomes sharp. It’s an identity that fits, that comes with community, which can satisfy a life-long yearning, finally, for a sense of belonging.
A peer-reviewed study based on 2020 census data estimated that one in 45 adults in the U.S. are autistic. That’s about 7.5 million people. Unlike autistic children, autistic adults are usually underserved. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 21% of adults with disabilities (autism included) are employed. The National Autism Society reported in 2016 that the unemployment rate among autistic adults was as high as 85%. Up to two-thirds of autistic adults have considered suicide, and 35% have attempted to take their own lives.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. These are some common characteristics of autistic adults:
Communication:
Difficulty joining conversations.
Difficulty understanding tone of voice and non-verbal cues (facial expressions, body language).
Others may find it hard to read their emotions.
Social Interaction:
Anxiety in social situations.
Difficulty making friends, preferring solitude.
Blunt or unintentional rudeness.
Struggling to express feelings.
Behavior and Interests:
Repetitive behaviors and narrow interests.
Some may exhibit high intelligence, strong memory, and unique thinking patterns.
Observant, resilient, and often have a strong sense of fairness and justice.