Understanding Adult Autism
We generally think of autism as a condition found in children, but in reality, it’s a lifelong condition that causes just as many challenges for adults as for kids.
At Texas Mind Science, we can’t cure autism — there is no cure yet. But at our offices in Richardson and Flower Mound, Texas, we offer a promising treatment that seems to be working well for adults: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Here’s an overview of how to understand autism in adults and how we might be able to help.
What is Autism?
Autism is a condition characterized primarily by social and behavioral challenges. Everyone who has autism will have a slightly different set of symptoms; in fact, autism is actually called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because the variety of its symptoms means that it affects everyone a little differently.
Everyone who has autism deals with three basic challenges:
- Difficulty with social skills and communicating
- Repetitive patterns of behavior
- Limited interests and activities
These issues can make daily life very difficult. An autistic person may think something’s a little different about the way they live and act. They may not know they act any differently, for example, but others around them notice.
Symptoms of Autism in Adults
Autism is generally diagnosed in children, but adults with high-functioning autism may have never been diagnosed. Here are a few symptoms of what autism might look like in an adult:
- Difficulty reading social cues
- Trouble participating in conversations and relating to others’ thoughts and feelings
- Speaking voice and patterns that don’t convey how you really feel
- Talking a lot about just one or two favorite topics
- Difficulty building and maintaining friendships
How is Autism in Adults Treated?
If your doctor determines that you have autism, he or she will likely begin treating you with some form of cognitive, verbal, and behavioral therapy. You also may need to seek some specific treatments based on your particular challenges.
Prescription medicine can help treat issues such as anxiety and depression that often occur with autism.
At Texas Mind Science, we also treat autistic adult patients with TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS uses safe, noninvasive magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity, improve neuro connectivity, and balance neurotransmitters.
While research into the effects of TMS on autism is still continuing, we know TMS has been effective in treating depression, and we know people with autism have chemical imbalances in their brain, which TMS can help mitigate.
If you think you or a family member might be an adult with autism, we’re happy to talk with you at either of our Texas Mind Science offices. Just call either location or book an appointment with our easy online scheduler.