Recognising the main signs of autism in older adults can help people understand behaviours, provide appropriate support, reduce stress, and connect with resources to improve wellbeing for both carer and cared-for.

We're always here to help you navigate the challenges of caring, so please reach out if you would benefit from a conversation. 

1. Difficulty understanding others’ thoughts or feelings: Individuals may struggle to interpret what people are thinking or feeling in social situations, particularly with subtle conversation. 
2. High anxiety in social situations: Feeling very anxious, nervous, or stressed when meeting new people or in groups.
3. Challenges with friendships or preferring solitude: Finding it hard to make and maintain friendships or preferring to spend time alone.
4. Blunt or unintentional rudeness: Seeming uninterested, rude or blunt without intending to offend.
5. Difficulty expressing emotions: Finding it hard to say how they feel or to explain their emotions effectively.
6. Taking things very literally: Struggling to recognise sarcasm, inferred communication or idioms - for example phrases such as 'break a leg'. 
7. Strong need for routine: Preference for the same daily schedule and becoming anxious if it changes. 
8. Unusual social behaviours: Not understanding social “rules,” avoiding eye contact, standing too close, or becoming upset if personal space is invaded.
9. Heightened attention to details or special interests: Noticing patterns, sounds, smells, or details others miss, and having very focused interests or hobbies.
10. Careful planning and organisation: Liking to plan activities in detail before doing them and being unsettled by unexpected change.

If you find yourself noticing any of these behaviours and would benefit from some support, you can visit, you can call our Support Line on 0800 0388 885, or visit Bridgit, our online self-help tool.

By reaching out, we can support you by signposting to specific services in our local area for more tailored support, possible diagnosis and information to guide you through your journey.