The signs of autism in adult males include a range of sensory, communication, and cognitive differences. The diagnostic criteria do not distinguish based on age or gender, although the symptoms may vary based on age and context.
A person must have had symptoms in childhood to receive an autism diagnosis. Symptoms that appear only in adulthood may signify something else.
However, a person’s symptoms may change throughout life. For example, a person may have more control over their environment as an adult than when they were younger, making it easier to mitigate the effects of sensory overload.
This article explains the main signs of autism that occur in adult males. It also details the overall signs of autism, how doctors diagnose the condition, and how autistic people might manage the diagnosis.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
The main signs of autism in adult males are the same as in all other groups, but they may manifest slightly differently.
Autism exists on a broad spectrum. Autistic people can have different symptoms from one another. Cultural and gender norms can also influence what people view as typical behavior, which could affect how people perceive autism.
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), the potential signs may include:
- Differences in nonspeaking communication: A person might not pick up on nonspeaking cues or may not give typical nonspeaking signals. For example, they might not smile when others do or be unable to tell when another person is bored, afraid, or uncomfortable.
- Differences in social-emotional exchanges: A person may follow different scripts for interaction. They might have difficulty making eye contact, talk quickly and extensively about their interests, not recognize another person’s emotions, or find it hard to describe their own.
- Differences in understanding relationships: A person may find relationships difficult, be uninterested in having relationships, or find it challenging to share interests with another person. For example, an autistic person might not want to date or have difficulty attracting romantic partners.
- Restricted and repetitive interests or behaviors: Autistic people become intensely focused on their particular interests but often only have one or two. For example, an individual might obsess over video games or gardening, spending all their time doing or talking about these things but have few other interests.
- Repetitive movements: Autism can cause someone to make stereotyped, repetitive movements that look like twitches or stimming. These movements can also be verbal. A person might repeat things they hear under their breath, obsess over lining things up, or have unusual patterns of movement.
- Sensory differences: An autistic adult may be sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant. They can also be both. For example, an individual might be very sensitive to noise or engage in stimming, such as chewing their nails, tapping fingers, or flapping their body.
- Pattern recognition: Autistic people can be very good at identifying details or patterns that others may not notice.
- Resistance to change: A person may depend on routines or sameness. For example, they might do things the same way every day and be uncomfortable traveling or visiting new places. They may prefer to plan things carefully beforehand and experience anxiety if something in their routine changes.
Other signs of autism that a person may have noticed in childhood include:
- not responding to their name
- less participation in imaginary play
- taking phrases or instructions very literally
- difficulty understanding what others think or feel
- finding it difficult to say how they feel
- becoming very upset if someone asks them to do something
- difficulty making friends or a preference for being alone
Signs of autism that are present in childhood can evolve as a person develops.
Autism resources
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The definition of autism is evolving and remains the subject of scientific and sociological debate.
The American Psychiatric Association defines it as a developmental disorder that causes deficits in communication, relationships, and emotion.
However, autistic adults and advocates usually focus on autism as a difference rather than a deficit. They perceive autism as a different way of thinking and processing information that arises as a natural result of neurodiversity, or differences in how the brain develops.
Instead of trying to treat or “cure” autism, many advocates believe people should accommodate these differences and support any symptoms that cause distress for the individual.
Autistic and non-autistic people generally agree that autism causes differences in:
- communication
- interests
- patterns of interaction
- responses to sensory input
To receive a diagnosis of autism, a person must have had symptoms
For adults seeking a diagnosis, a doctor may focus on symptoms that were present in childhood and attempt to rule out any other causes, especially if symptoms are new.
The doctor may ask about childhood experiences, talk with people who knew them during childhood, and ask about current and past symptoms.
Doctors make diagnoses based on symptoms, so it is important that they get an accurate overview of all the symptoms a person has or has had.
Doctors use a range of assessments to test for autism. These tests cover symptoms, their severity, and how they affect a person’s life. The gold standard is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).
As part of the evaluation, a doctor will typically test for other diagnoses that may explain symptoms, such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or depression. This evaluation can take many hours and involve multiple assessments.
If insurance does not cover the diagnostic process, a person may need to pay a large sum. For this reason, some adults self-diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria, though this practice remains controversial.
The experience of living with autism can vary significantly from person to person. Not only can a person’s autism be different from someone else’s, but their environment can also play a significant role.
Many of the challenges of autism come from how other people, and society more broadly, view autistic people. As a result, autistic people all have differing needs and priorities.
The following sections contain information about what autistic people might consider as part of their care.
Symptoms and medication
There are no specifically approved medications for autism, and having autism does not require medication. Instead, a person might take medication to manage symptoms. Examples
- medications to manage anxiety
- antidepressants if a person experiences depression
- antipsychotic medications for repetitive behaviors and aggression if other interventions do not help
Education
Many autistic adults highlight the power of viewing autism as an identity rather than a disease. This approach may help people accept who they are and start to undo any harmful messages they learned earlier in life, especially for those getting a diagnosis for the first time as adults.
Learning about autism, as well as disability and employment rights, may also help. Autism organizations and support groups are available for advice and information.
For example, while some people consider making eye contact a sign of politeness or confidence, not making eye contact is morally neutral.
A person can still have relationships and communicate even if they do not make eye contact. Accepting this form of communication can help people feel included.
Therapy
Psychotherapy may help a person master new skills, cope with the challenges of living with autism, and more effectively advocate for oneself. Couples counseling may also help with managing relationship issues.
Some therapies focus on helping people modify their environment to be more accommodating, such as minimizing sensory distractions.
Some people also find support from occupational therapy, which focuses on developing life skills, effectively managing emotions, and maximizing strengths.
The signs of autism in adult males can be the same as for other groups. However, every autistic person is an individual and can have varying symptoms and support needs.
No single definition or list of symptoms applies to all autistic people. Autism may also change throughout a person’s life.
Males who think they may be autistic can get the most accurate information by consulting a healthcare professional specializing in adult autism.