Adult Autism: Aging With Autism

Adult autism is a way of life for many people.  They have had to endure living with the disorder, which is difficult because they often can't function as normal people can.  For some, the disorder isn't what makes their lives so difficult.  For some, it's the way they are treated by those around them or by society in general that makes life so hard.  Adult autism should be studied and learned by everyone, not just those who are diagnosed with the disorder.  By learning as much as we can as a society, we can better help those who have to live with the disorder for which there is no cure.  After all, they are people, just like the rest of us, and their lives are just as important as everyone else's.

Not a Curse

For many individuals, adult autism isn't a curse.  Many people enjoy being autistic.  They consider being autistic a part of who they are and they wouldn't have it any other way.  They don't want to be cured -- they want to be accepted and want everyone to know that they have strengths and weaknesses like everyone else.  Most of all, they are people and they have a right to enjoy life just like everyone else.

Autism generally starts in infancy.  That means that with adult autism, the person has been living with the disorder for some time.  Autistic adults see the world different from others who don't have the disorder.  Their five senses work normally, but their brains simply process the information differently.  Autism affects the way a person's brain stores, processes and interprets information.  Some experts think that this causes some of the more detrimental effects of autism, such as tantrums and fits.  After all, reacting to the world normally would be very difficult for someone that already has a lot of anxiety. 

Heightened Senses

Some individuals with adult autism have heightened senses or uncontrollable senses.  This means that they often can't decide if they're hot or cold, hungry or stuffed.  Some autistics can't stand loud noises or strong or bad odors.  Most autistics especially dislike touches or any other form of contact from other people.  They often reject hugs or other acts of affection.  For this reason, they are sometimes seen as weird or unusual.

It is often difficult for people with adult autism to socialize with others.  That's why it is especially important that they participate in programs or activities that encourage human contact and teach them how to socialize with others.  It is also especially important to educate those without the disorder so that they may assist autistic adults in their fight to fit in.  By educating others, we can also hope to accept adults with autism -- they are people and they have a right to be treated as such.