Inside the spectrum: Understanding Autism in adults

Autism, like ADHD, falls under the broad umbrella of neurodivergence, a term for conditions in which a person’s way of functioning differs from that of the majority.

Autism itself resists rigid categories: it does not always appear in the same way or with identical behaviors and characteristics in everyone. Because of this variability we speak of the autism spectrum.

Prevalence and percentages

With an estimated prevalence of about 1 % in both Europe and Switzerland, roughly 80 000 adults in Switzerland are on the autism spectrum, a common and generally rising figure, since many people born before the 1990s were never diagnosed. Studies show autism is more frequently identified in men than in women, at a ratio of roughly 2–3 : 1 (men : women + non-binary people), but this gap is slowly closing thanks to more late diagnoses among women and non-binary individuals. The discrepancy arises because autism can manifest differently in men, women, and non-binary people.

Common signs

Not every autistic person shares the same traits, but some features tend to recur and can be especially well hidden in women and gender-non-conforming people:

Social interactions

Difficulty intuiting the unwritten “rules” of social life; speech may sound formal or rigid and is often accompanied by social anxiety.

Idioms and sarcasm

A tendency to interpret language literally, making sarcasm and figurative expressions hard to catch.

Highly focused interests

Intense, encyclopedic passion for a topic or hobby, combined with difficulty noticing when others are less interested in hearing about it.

Need for predictability

Reliance on strict routines and plans; anxiety or stress when these are disrupted.

Sensory sensitivity

Heightened reactions to sound, light, textures, or smells—overstimulating environments feel overwhelming, while certain sensory settings are deeply comforting.

Repetitive behaviors

Actions such as finger-tapping, hair-twirling, or humming used to self-soothe or focus.

Emotional regulation

Challenges modulating emotions, leading to rapid escalation into anxiety, anger, or shutdown when overwhelmed.

If these signs resonate with you, consider speaking with a psychologist or psychiatrist for a specialized assessment (if you are in the Zurich area, you are welcome to contact me). This list is only a starting point and does not replace professional evaluation.

Differences among men, women, and non-binary people

• Research focus: For many years men were the primary subjects, so more obvious traits received attention while subtler expressions, often seen in women and non-binary people, were overlooked.

• Masking: Autistic women frequently mask by copying facial expressions, gestures, or fashion styles to appear neurotypical; this delays diagnosis on average 5–10 years.

• Interests: Topics such as animals or literature are perceived as “typical hobbies,” even though the depth and intensity can be encyclopedic.

• Comorbidity: Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are common and may divert attention away from autistic traits.

• Gender identity: Masking combined with fear of exploring gender identity can postpone self-recognition for non-binary individuals.

Strategies for work and everyday life

Reduce sensory load

Use noise-canceling headphones, blue-light-filter glasses, and schedule short breaks in quiet spaces to lower stress.

Leverage organizers and planners

Digital tools like Trello, alarms, and calendar notifications relieve the mental burden of remembering tasks and deadlines.

Seek clear communication

Ask for concise, preferably written instructions or summaries to avoid frustration and ensure you capture all key points.

State needs and boundaries

Let colleagues know what helps or hinders you; clear communication prevents misunderstandings and builds supportive relationships.

These suggestions are just a starting point. For more personalized, professional guidance, feel free to reach out to arrange an introductory session and explore how I can best support you.