Article – Women With Autism Checklist of Emotional Symptoms

Artlink

A look at the emotional symptoms that are typical of women with ASD.

Women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulties with emotional regulation. Many of the day-to-day things which are comparatively manageable for many people can be extremely hard for women with ASD.

Social situations can bring on feelings of panic, confusion, and extreme exhaustion afterward. Day-to-day demands, like being interrupted in the middle of a task and having to readjust one’s plans can lead to feelings of deep anger and frustration.

n addition to finding it hard to cope with a range of situations, women with autism may find that they respond in very deep ways to difficulties faced by others, but have problems in processing or expressing their reaction. Women with autism may find it hard to communicate their needs, generally, and keep things bottled up until they explode in a meltdown.

The following list of symptoms that women with autism may experience is not designed to be a diagnostic checklist, but may be helpful as a first start if you are beginning to explore whether or not you have ASD.

Have you, or do you currently find yourself …

Becoming emotionally overwhelmed?

Feeling exhausted?

“Acting out” or having extreme emotional reactions (meltdowns)?

Becoming emotionally confused and not knowing how to react?

Being diagnosed with anxiety or depression?

Feeling a deep physical response to someone else’s distress?

Having difficulty in processing or expressing an emotional response?

Finding it easier to shut off from other people’s distress?

Having a fluid idea of sexuality?

Having difficulty in expressing needs?

Feeling confused or disoriented?

Having poor emotional regulation?

Feeling extreme anxiety when routines/plans are changed?

Desiring to be alone to emotionally recharge?

Experiencing an eating disorder?

Engaging in “black and white” or “all or nothing” thinking?

“Escaping” through music, real or imagined?

If the above resonates with you, you can explore whether or not you may have ASD further through continuing research or seeking the assistance of an expert who specialises in working with women with ASD.

Click the link below to read the original article:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202006/women-autism-checklist-emotional-symptoms