Borderline autism in adults—also called autism spectrum disorder level 1—is a term for adults who show mild to moderate difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. What is borderline autism in adults? It means a person meets some, but not all, of the criteria for autism, often making diagnosis challenging.
What Is Borderline Autism in Adults? Main Traits
- Mild Social Challenges: Adults may find it hard to read social cues, keep up conversations, or build friendships, but often mask these difficulties.
- Communication Differences: They might struggle with tone, facial expressions, or gestures, sometimes leading to misunderstandings.
- Repetitive Behaviors: Routine and repeated actions or interests are common, but less obvious than in classic autism cases.
- Lifelong Impact: Symptoms must be present since childhood, though many adults learn to “camouflage” or adapt as they age.
- Diagnosis Challenges: Many adults are missed or misdiagnosed, as traits can overlap with other conditions and may be subtle.
At Bluebell ABA, we see adults who have spent years feeling “different” but only discover what is borderline autism in adults after seeking help for social or work struggles. According to the CDC, about 2.21% of U.S. adults live with autism spectrum disorder, including those with borderline traits.
Next Steps
If you relate to these signs or want to know more about what is borderline autism in adults, Bluebell ABA can help you find answers and support. Reach out today—let’s make your next chapter clearer and more confident.
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