What are the 7 signs of autism in middle age?

The seven midlife signs of autism: What to look for

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is often diagnosed in childhood, however many people, especially women, might not receive or even seek a diagnosis until later in life. For some, signs of autism can become more apparent in midlife when life circumstances change and social expectations evolve. For many women with autism, the hormonal changes involved with perimenopause and menopause can also prompt an increase in some of the signs and symptoms of autism. In this post, we’ll explore seven signs of autism that can emerge or become more noticeable during midlife.

Here are some common signs of autism in middle aged people:

1."Who, me?": Social anxiety and difficulty with social interactions

Many autistic people struggle with social interactions, and this can become more pronounced in midlife. As social expectations increase in work or personal relationships, the challenges can feel more overwhelming and this can be the case at any time after adolescence, and social anxiety, trouble initiating conversations, or feeling drained after social events can be common signs that autism is exerting an influence on your social life.

2. "Why can't it always be like this?": Difficulties adapting to change

Routine and predictability are often key comforts for those on the autism spectrum. In midlife, changes—whether these take the form of changes at work, new or unexpected family dynamics, or major life transitions - can all feel incredibly overwhelming. A preference for sticking to established routines and feeling high levels of stress when faced with unexpected change may be more noticeable during this stage of life. Increasing responsibilities such as caring for teenage children or ageing parents can also create a feeling of being off-balance and struggling with change.

3. "Don't touch me!": Sensory sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities are a hallmark of autism. Even if these weren't hugely apparent in earlier life, these sensitivities can become more noticeable in midlife. Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or smells can cause discomfort or overwhelm. People with autism might become more sensitive to all manner of sensory inputs as they get older, and environments that were once manageable may now feel unbearable. You might notice feeling more sensitive to noises (such as chewing or tapping, something known as misophonia) in middle age than you did when you were younger. This kind of increased sensory overload might lead to feeling a greater need to be on your own or to withdraw from social activities you used to enjoy.

Wishing you could wear headphones more often?

4. "I just can't think straight": Struggles with executive functioning in autism

Executive functioning, skills like time management, organisation, and decision-making, can be more challenging for people who have autism, and these challenges can become more obvious in midlife. As responsibilities increase in adulthood and into middle age, including managing a career or a family as well as personal goals, these things can feel more overwhelming. Forgetfulness, disorganisation, and difficulty following through on tasks could all be signs that the brain's executive functioning is affected.

5. "I'm going to scream!": Emotional regulation challenges

In midlife, some people with autism can experience increasing problems regulating their emotions meaning they might feel and express increased irritability, frustration, and have strong-feeling emotional outbursts. The stress of juggling life's responsibilities can make it harder to manage emotions, and even fairly minor disruptions can feel somehow disproportionate and can also mental lead to shutdowns or conflict.

6. "Just five more minutes....": Intense focus on special interests

A key autistic trait is often a deep, focused interest in specific subjects or activities. This is often a highly enjoyable quality, allowing a breadth of time dedicated to the things people love. But in midlife, this intense focus can sometimes feel like a barrier to connecting with friends and family socially or perhaps also taking the next step up at work. If we become so absorbed in a special interest that it interferes with daily life or relationships, as additional responsibilities increase this barrier can sometimes become even more pronounced.

7. "What are you trying to tell me?": Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions

Autism can affect the ability to understand and sometimes also to express emotions, and this trait can become more apparent in midlife. People with ASC may struggle to fully interpret the emotions of others often because they are highly sensitive to emotions themselves which can lead to misunderstandings at work or in relationships. Sometimes it can also become harder to express emotions over time which can lead to feeling isolated and frustrated.

So what does all this mean?

If you have read this post and have recognised some of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it can help to talk to a professional who is experienced with autism. You might also find it helpful to seek an assessment, it's never too late to take steps to understand yourself better and to get support. You can speak to your GP as a first port of call. Autism in middle age can look very different from that in childhood and understanding how it might be impacting your life can help you develop better ways of managing and healthier ways of relating to yourself, first and foremost. Understanding yourself better is a powerful step toward improving your quality of life and well-being.

I am now offering two specialist 8 week semi-structured therapeutic programmes for women who identify as being on the autism spectrum (with or without a diagnosis) - Pathways Radiant Minds: Cultivating Confidence And Connection With Autism and Pathways Authentic Synergy: Thriving With AuDHD - click here for more information.