Adults with an autism spectrum disorder

Some adults with an ASD, especially the ones with high-functioning autism or with Asperger syndrome, are able to work successfully in mainstream jobs. Nevertheless, communication and social problems often cause difficulties in many areas of life. They will continue to need encouragement and moral support in their struggle for an independent life.

Many others with ASD are capable of employment in sheltered workshops under the supervision of managers trained in working with persons with disabilities. A nurturing environment at home, at school, and later in job training and at work, helps persons with an ASD to continue to learn and to develop throughout their lives.

The public schools’ responsibility for providing services ends at a certain age that can differ per country. The family is then faced with the challenge of finding living arrangements and employment to match the particular needs of their adult child, as well as the programs and facilities that can provide support services to achieve these goals.

Long before your child finishes school, you will want to search for the best programs and facilities for your young adult. If you know other parents of adults with an ASD, ask them about the services available in your community. If your community has little to offer, serve as an advocate for your child and work toward the goal of improved employment services. Research the resources as much as possible for help your child is eligible to receive as an adult.

Recognition of autistic behavior in yourself or your partner

Although, generally speaking people with an ASD do not marry early or enter into a fixed relationship on account of their contactual problems, assistance organizations have of late been more and more confronted by partners who suspect their spouses to suffer from autism or by partners who suspect themselves to be autistic. Partners often ask for a diagnosis and assistance but the person concerned should agree. It is mostly women who suspect their male partner to be autistic; once in a while it is the other way around.

Very little is known about autistic adults and especially about adults who have attained a social position. No research has been initiated as yet and there are very few publications on this subject.

Sometimes an autistic partner realizes that he or she has limitations in the social and emotional field. When he or she is prepared to have a diagnosis made it is advised after consultation with the social worker what the possibilities are. One could ask oneself if and why a diagnosis is necessary. When both partners recognize the autism and learn to live with it, having a diagnosis made may become less necessary. However, when there are problems, e.g. during working hours, a diagnosis can give more clarity and understanding. It will be more difficult when the partner recognizes these problems in the other but the latter denies them.

Perhaps the partner has more problems in recognizing the problems of a child in the family. This partner himself may have experienced a development where more ‘aberrant’ behavior was considered normal. This may explain cases that went awry in the past. It is sensible to bear in mind that after the diagnosis, the partner stays the same person; he or she will not change as soon as a diagnosis is made.

At this moment diagnostics and aid for adults with an ASD have relatively little to offer, certainly for partners who have socially found a place and who have succeeded in holding their own up to the ages of 40, 50 or 60.

If somebody suspects a type of autism in the partner, he or she can try to strengthen the structure of daily life, e.g. by making clear arrangements and, if desired, making them visual by using a written list where agenda items can be written down and marked out.
Maybe it will be clear that life with such a partner is different. Expectations from the past, living through trying times together, and doing things together will have to be adjusted. It may be important that the person concerned arranges his own activities and contacts. It is not surprising either that, from the circle of acquaintances, reactions of disbelief arise when this is made a subject of discussion. After all, the person has a job and a family, so there is nothing wrong, is there?
Adults with an autism spectrum disorder
Asperger Syndrome Articles
Autism Checklist
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