Recognizing the Signs: 8 Common Symptoms of Autism Self-Diagnosis

Self-diagnosing autism can be tricky, especially since it presents differently in everyone. But if you've always felt a little out of sync with the world, here are 8 common traits that might indicate you're on the spectrum:

1. Sensory Sensitivities

Loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures feel overwhelming.
You either avoid sensory input or actively seek it out (e.g., fidgeting, pacing, or listening to the same song on repeat).

2. Social Struggles

Small talk feels pointless, and you’d rather get straight to meaningful conversations.
Reading between the lines in conversations doesn’t come naturally—sarcasm, tone shifts, or vague hints can be confusing.

3. Masking & Burnout

You’ve spent years studying how to “act normal,” mimicking social behaviors to fit in.
Socializing feels like a performance, and too much of it leaves you mentally drained.

4. Hyperfocus & Obsessive Interests

When something grabs your attention, you dive in deep, sometimes at the expense of everything else.
You can talk about your favorite topics for hours but struggle with subjects that don’t interest you.

5. Need for Routine & Control

Sudden changes throw you off completely, and unpredictability can cause anxiety.
You thrive in routines, structure, and knowing what to expect.

6. Difficulty with Emotional Regulation

You either feel emotions at an extreme level or struggle to express them at all.
When overwhelmed, you might shut down completely or have strong reactions that others don’t understand.

7. Communication Differences

You prefer direct, clear language and sometimes struggle when people expect you to "just get" social cues.
You might express thoughts in a way that seems blunt to others, even if you don’t mean to be.

8. Always Feeling Different

No matter how much you try to blend in, there's always been a sense that you don’t quite fit.
You’ve spent a lot of time wondering why social interaction seems so effortless for others but exhausting for you.

If a lot of this sounds familiar, it might be worth looking into autism more deeply. Self-diagnosis is valid, but getting an official assessment can provide clarity and open the door to better understanding yourself.

From Jack