Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how you perceive the world, interact with others, and process information. The phrase "on the spectrum" has become increasingly common, but what does it actually mean? Let’s break down the nuances of ASD, its symptoms, and how it presents differently, particularly in adults and women.
What Does It Mean to Be "On the Spectrum"?
Being "on the spectrum" refers to having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a term that highlights a wide range of experiences and abilities among people with ASD. No two autistic individuals are exactly alike, and autism can manifest in various ways and severities [1].
Research shows that ASD affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States, with a higher prevalence in males than females [2]. However, emerging studies suggest that autism is often underdiagnosed in women, largely due to differences in how symptoms present [3]. This has led to a growing interest in understanding how ASD presents differently across genders.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is characterized by two main categories of symptoms: social communication challenges and restricted or repetitive behaviors.
Social Communication and Interaction Skills
Many individuals with ASD struggle with:
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Initiating or maintaining conversations
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Understanding non-verbal cues like facial expressions or tone of voice
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Forming and maintaining relationships
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Adapting to different social contexts
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Expressing emotions in ways that are traditionally expected
A study published in Autism Research found that autistic adults often struggle with social cognition tasks even when their IQ levels are comparable to neurotypical adults [4].
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
Common behaviors include:
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Repetitive movements or speech patterns
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Strict adherence to routines and aversion to change
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Deep, focused interests in specific topics
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Sensory sensitivities to light, sound, texture, or taste
Research suggests that these behaviors often serve as coping mechanisms for managing anxiety or sensory overload [5].
Other Characteristics
Additional traits often associated with ASD include:
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Exceptional abilities in specific areas (e.g., memory, math, music)
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Challenges with executive functioning (planning, organizing, time management)
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Anxiety or depression
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Sensory processing differences
Autism in Women: A Unique Presentation
Historically, autism research has focused primarily on males, leading to frequent underdiagnosis in women. Many autistic women develop strong masking skills – consciously or unconsciously mimicking neurotypical behaviors to fit in socially.
Common differences in autistic women:
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Masking symptoms more effectively – Mimicking social behaviors to blend in
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Having special interests that are socially acceptable (e.g., literature, psychology, animals)
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Internalizing emotions – More likely to experience anxiety and depression due to undiagnosed autism, and internalizing rather than externalizing behaviors
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Sensory sensitivities – May present differently, such as aversions to specific clothing textures or sound frequencies
A study in 2017 found that women with ASD score significantly higher on measures of social camouflaging compared to men, which likely contributes to delayed or missed diagnoses [6]. Because of these differences in presentation, nearly 42% of women recieve at least one misdiagnosis before being formally diagnosed with autism [7]. Many are misdiagnosed with other psychiatric conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, or depression.
High levels of masking (i.e. suppressing autistic traits to blend into neurotypical environments) can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and an increased risk of internalizing mental health struggles. Emotional dysregulation and difficulties with social interactions can sometimes be mistaken for BPD, further complicating the diagnostic process. Additionally, when working with therapists who may not fully understand neurodivergence, it can be challenging to receive the right diagnosis, as symptoms are often treated in isolation rather than examined for their root cause.
Online Assessments: A Starting Point
While online tests can't formally diagnose autism, they can be a helpful first step. Some widely used screening tools include:
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Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
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Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R)
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Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
If these assessments indicate potential autistic traits, seeking a formal evaluation from a healthcare provider can offer clarity and support.
FAQ: Common Questions About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Q: How do you tell if you're on the spectrum?
A: While only a professional can diagnose ASD, common signs include difficulties with social communication, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. If you suspect you might be on the spectrum, consider taking an online screening test and discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.
Q: What are 12 signs of autism in adults?
A: Common signs include:
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Difficulty with social interactions
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Challenges in maintaining eye contact
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Trouble understanding non-verbal cues
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Intense focus on specific interests
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Adherence to routines
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Sensory sensitivities
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Difficulty with changes or transitions
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Challenges in understanding others' perspectives
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Literal interpretation of language
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Repetitive behaviors or movements
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Difficulty with executive functioning
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Anxiety or depression
Q: What classifies you as on the spectrum?
A: A diagnosis of ASD is based on persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These symptoms must be present from early childhood and impact daily functioning.
Q: What are high functioning autistic adults like?
A: The term "high functioning" is controversial and not officially recognized. Adults with ASD who might have previously been described this way often have average or above-average intelligence, can live independently, and may excel in certain areas. However, they may still struggle with social interactions, sensory issues, and executive functioning.
Am I an undiagnosed autistic?
"Autism in Females" Meme by Neurodivergent Geek Girl on Facebook (2024)
For years, I was told I had anxiety and depression. It turns out that these could have been misdiagnoses – or, more accurately, secondary symptoms resulting from years of masking my autistic traits.
Being in a corporate environment forced me to suppress a lot of who I was. I learned to adapt, mimic social norms, and push through sensory overwhelm. But when I transitioned to running my own business, something unexpected happened: I started unraveling years of masking.
I realized that my ability to hyper-focus and plan far ahead, what some call "spiderweb thinking,” was both my biggest strength and one of my biggest struggles. While others focused on what was immediately in front of them, my brain was already 50 steps ahead, planning contingencies and potential outcomes. This made me incredibly efficient, but it also made me prone to burnout.
I excelled when there were clear processes in place. But when something lacked structure, I struggled. Analysis paralysis would kick in, my brain overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities. It was frustrating – why could I handle high-level strategic planning with ease, yet freeze when trying to decide something as simple as the best way to organize a workspace?
Understanding my potentially autistic traits helped me create systems that work for me. Now, I prioritize structured workflows, scheduled breaks, and sensory-friendly environments. It’s not about "fixing" myself, it’s about recognizing how my brain works and setting myself up for success.
For anyone questioning if they might be on the spectrum, self-awareness is key. Autism isn't a deficit – it's a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. And learning to embrace that difference can be incredibly liberating.
References:
[1] Lord, C., Elsabbagh, M., Baird, G., & Veenstra-Vanderweele, J. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder. The Lancet, 392(10146), 508-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31129-2
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
[3] Shuck, R. K., Flores, R. E., & Fung, L. K. (2019). Brief Report: Sex/Gender Differences in Symptomology and Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(6), 2597–2604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03998-y
[4] Sasson, N. J., Morrison, K. E., Kelsven, S., & Pinkham, A. E. (2020). Social cognition as a predictor of functional and social skills in autistic adults without intellectual disability. Autism Research, 13(2), 259–270. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2195
[5] University of Kansas. (n.d.). Social difficulties in autism spectrum disorder. University of Kansas Online Education. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/social-difficulties-in-autism-spectrum-disorder
[6] Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., Allison, C., Smith, P., Baron-Cohen, S., Lai, M.-C., & Mandy, W. (2017). "Putting on My Best Normal": Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(8), 2519–2534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3166-5