How to tell if someone is high-functioning autistic?
Stefan Eichmann
2025-06-30 14:11:25
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High-functioning autism can be hard to spot, especially in adulthood. Women present differently, especially with high-functioning autism. Women also often experience their high-functioning autism internally. Signs of high-functioning autism in women include: Social Indicators May be on the edge of friendship groups or have intense friendships vulnerable to falling out after a period of time. May be very uncomfortable with conflict. May not raise a hand in class or be reluctant to speak when called on. May misunderstand pop culture or trends. Anxiety Induced Signs May situationally go silent. May be prone to extended absences from school or work. Autistic Inertia May have difficulty with organization. May find it difficult to get started on a project or assignment. Other Signs of High-Functioning Autism May have a vivid imagination. May enjoy collections. Can be a perfectionist. High-functioning autism in women may be hard to spot as many of the signs are seen as “common female behaviors.”
Karson Hamill
2025-06-21 14:23:12
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Common signs of autism in adults include finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling, getting very anxious about social situations, finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own. You may seem blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to, find it hard to say how you feel. You may take things very literally – for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like "break a leg". You may also have other signs, like not understanding social rules, such as not talking over people, avoiding eye contact, getting too close to other people, or getting very upset if someone touches or gets too close to you. Noticing small details, patterns, smells or sounds that others do not, having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities, and liking to plan things carefully before doing them can also be signs. Autistic women may be more likely to have learned to hide signs of autism to 'fit in' - by copying people who do not have autism, be quieter and hide their feelings, appear to cope better with social situations, and show fewer signs of repetitive behaviours.