Like operating solo – both at work and play.Have a very strong reaction or no reaction at all to sensory stimuli, such as textures, sounds, smells and taste.Preference for highly specific interests or hobbies that you spend a lot of time on.You make noises in places where you are expected to be quiet.Have a series of repetitive rituals or behaviours that you follow on a daily basis.Are bothered if your things are moved or rearranged by someone.Have trouble regulating your emotional responses.You find it upsetting when something happens that you did not expect to happen, even if it is positive.You enjoy consistent routine and schedules and get upset or anxious should that routine or schedule be changed.You may use facial expressions and make gestures when speaking with people that others find unusual.Find building and maintaining close friendships and relationships difficult in a range of environments.Have your own unique phrases and descriptive words.Prefer to make little or no eye contact when you are talking to someone.Be blunt in your assessment of people and things.Differences in natural communication styles, preferring more literal language use rather than the use of non-literal language like sarcasm or metaphor, which may be more challenging to understand in context.Find ‘small talk’ such as talking about the weather and what others are doing difficult.Find it easier to talk ‘at’ people, rather than engaging in a two-way conversation.Like to lead conversations and provide extensive information on the specific topics you are interested in.Find that others don’t understand how you are feeling and say that “it is hard to know what you are thinking”.Find it hard to read someone’s body language and emotions.Difficulties in using and responding to tone of voice or non-verbal social cues such as facial expressions and body language in social interactions.very formally or very informally, in a monotone, in an accent, etc. Speaking in a way that is not expected in the context of the conversation e.g.Find joining in conversation difficult.Some of the characteristics that autistic adults commonly report, include: Communication It is unlikely that an adult, you will display all of these characteristics, and it’s important to remember, only a qualified professional can carry out an assessment for autism. Note that the information below is just a list of some of the common characteristics of autism. These signs cover a range of human behaviour from social communication and social interaction, to restricted, repetitive and sensory processing. If you’re reading this page, you may be thinking that you, your partner, or someone you know or love is showing some of the characteristics of autism. This can have an impact on a persons mental health, physical health, and wellbeing. Individuals may develop the feeling that “everyone else is different” and may find it hard to form meaningful relationships, or have satisfying careers, despite wanting these things. However, many adults that demonstrate the behaviours of autism, and are not formally diagnosed, may also find life difficult, isolating, or a bit of a struggle in some areas. They might develop meaningful relationships, have satisfying careers, or live an excellent quality of life that satisfies them. Many adults who demonstrate the behaviours of autism, and are not formally diagnosed, live life perfectly well. You self-identify as autistic, but don’t see the benefits of having a formal assessment.Another diagnosis that could account for some of the characteristics demonstrated.The financial and emotional cost of an assessment.You have learnt coping strategies to support your challenges including masking or camouflaging.The characteristics do not have a significant impact on you, or limit your everyday life.People around you are not aware of the characteristics of autism so don’t point them out to you.The characteristics are not obvious to you or those around you.You may demonstrate the characteristics of autism, but may not have been assessed or diagnosed for a number of reasons, these could include: If you think you may be autistic or you know, love, or work with an adult who you feel might be on the autism spectrum, the following information may help you to better understand the common characteristics relating to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).