Autism: A Tik Tok Trend or a Missed Diagnosis?

By: Alora Corr, BCBA, L-BA

Who Has ASD?

With the growth of mental health awareness on social media platforms, including Tik Tok and Instagram,more of us have been learning about the common signs and symptoms surrounding disorders. While on the one hand this awareness has been overwhelmingly helpful in bringing understanding and respect to the field of psychology and mental well-being, it has also caused hypervigilance amongst many app users. Many of us have finished watching a video feeling concerned about ourselves and our own diagnostic criteria. It’s all too easy to reflect on a particular video and to start asking, “Do I have that?”

One of the most popular diagnostic themes at present has been centered around autism spectrum disorder, and the question amongst many young adults about whether their guardians missed a pivotal diagnosis during their childhood development. As an adult the signs and symptoms of ASD can be easy to miss. Like many diagnoses, some people learn to adapt and continue to lead functional and fulfilling lives. However, if you suspect you might fall into this category of a “missed diagnosis” there are options to consider that may help you lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Key Indicators in Adulthood

ASD is defined by several key traits that can show up in early childhood and persist throughout the lifetime. For instance, ASD is typically marked by social difficulties, language and communication barriers, fixation on objects/hobbies, and other deficits. However, autism operates on a spectrum, signifying that individuals can experience any different number or combination of symptoms, and to varying degrees of severity.

Here are some key diagnostic features of ASD in adulthood:

 Difficulty understanding and recognizing humor and sarcasm in others (including misunderstanding common phrases and sayings, like, “This is a piece of cake!”)

 Rigidity and inflexibility surrounding plans and scheduling (for example, you may become very anxious if plans change or your routine is interrupted)

 Difficulty expressing one’s own emotions and/or difficulty recognizing emotions in others

 Avoiding eye contact

 Frequently interrupting others while talking without meaning to or realizing

 Avoiding or disliking personal touch (such as hugging)

 Hyper fixation on certain objects, shows, or areas of interest (so much so that it is difficult to talk about anything else with others)

When considering these symptoms, it is important to keep in mind that we all do some or several of these things! For example, who doesn’t get caught up in their favorite interests and hobbies? In many cases, to meet diagnostic criteria, individuals must meet several of these components.

Having one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you should be diagnosed with ASD.

Why Get Diagnosed

If you think you meet criteria, you may consider seeking a professional evaluation from a psychologist.Often, receiving a diagnosis can help people better understand themselves and how they relate to the world. Having an explanation for where certain behaviors or traits comes from can help us not only get answers to long awaited questions about why we do what we do, but also to point us in the right direction for where to get support. Seeking services as an adult with ASD may help improve social functioning, reduce anxiety about change, and improve adaptability to work-life situations.

For example,areas that can be addressed in treatment include:

 Social—A therapist can work with you to help improve prosocial behaviors; communicate more effectively with family, friends, and partners; express wants and need more clearly; improve ability to read body language, facial expressions, and sarcasm during conversation; be more flexible about making plans with others; become more active in daily conversation with others

 Personal—A therapist can help manage stress and worries in new or unknown situations; be more adaptable in new environments or situations; improve general feelings of anxiety; set more realistic expectations for work, school, and home life; expand on interest, hobbies, and creative outlets

 Physical—A therapist can help guide you in becoming more active; engaging in healthier eating habits; expand your tolerance for trying new foods to incorporate into a limited diet

Many people with autism can lead perfectly satisfying and fulfilling lives as adults!

Additional Resources

Below are some additional resources that can help you learn more information:

 Autism Research Institute

 National Health Service

 Autism Speaks