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Neurodevelopmental

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Persistent differences in communication and social interaction, along with intense interests, repetitive behaviors or sensory sensitivity. It's a spectrum: each person needs different supports, and many adults are diagnosed late.

Common signs

Difficulty reading unspoken social cuesNeed for routine and very intense interestsOver- or under-sensitivity to noise, light or textures

Tips

For you

  1. A specialist assessment helps you understand yourself and ask for adjustments
  2. Respect and plan your sensory rest times
  3. Use visual schedules and prepare for changes in advance

For family and friends

  1. Respect their rest times and their need for routine
  2. Communicate clearly and directly, without double meanings

When to ask for help

  1. If social exhaustion leads them to withdraw
  2. If anxiety or depression appear

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I find it hard to understand what others mean without saying it
2. I prefer to always do things the same way
3. Unexpected changes upset me a lot
4. I have very intense interests in specific topics
5. Noise, light or textures bother me more than others
6. Social situations exhaust me
7. I find it hard to keep up small talk
8. I feel I have to copy others to fit in
Also take the full autistic traits test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Autism in adultsFree resource from Clínica VivaldiAutismo España (Spanish autism confederation)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Intellectual disabilityNeurodevelopmentalGlobal developmental delayNeurodevelopmentalLanguage disorderNeurodevelopmentalSpeech sound disorderNeurodevelopmental

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.