Understanding the Often Overlooked Signs of Autism in Men
Written on
Chapter 1: The Hidden Spectrum
In today’s society, many men remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with autism. This is particularly true for men of color, who often face unique challenges in recognition. Boys are diagnosed with autism at a rate four times higher than girls, yet numerous men live their lives unaware of their condition. Cultural expectations, such as the pressure to conform to toxic masculinity, further complicate matters. These societal norms teach men to suppress their emotions and engage in potentially harmful behaviors, making it difficult to differentiate between typical male behavior and autism spectrum traits.
Here are nine signs of autism in men that are frequently overlooked:
Challenges in Emotional Expression
Men with alexithymia often experience difficulties in understanding and expressing their emotions—a condition more prevalent in autistic individuals. If a man frequently struggles to articulate his feelings, it could indicate he is on the autism spectrum. Engaging in open discussions can help identify these emotional barriers.
Inappropriate Comments in Social Settings
Autistic individuals may unintentionally say inappropriate things due to their difficulty in picking up social cues. Research suggests that this tendency is more pronounced in men, who often do not mask their behaviors as effectively as women. This can lead to misunderstandings where men are perceived as unfeeling or selfish, despite their intentions.
Limited Social Circles
Unlike their peers who often maintain large social networks, many autistic men prefer a few close friendships. They may struggle to connect with others in social settings, frequently opting to build relationships online or through shared interests like gaming.
Difficulty Interpreting Social Cues
Autistic men often find it challenging to read social signals, unlike narcissistic individuals, who may choose to ignore them to exert control. This fundamental difference can lead to significant misunderstandings about their behavior and intentions.
Job Stability Issues
Many autistic men experience difficulties in maintaining long-term employment due to challenges with commitment and the stress of masking their traits.
Avoidance of Eye Contact
A notable indicator of autism is the tendency to avoid eye contact. While women may mask this by focusing on other parts of a person’s face, men often struggle to maintain eye contact altogether, which can be misinterpreted as rudeness.
Child-like Behavior
Some autistic men display child-like traits well into adulthood, which may include engaging in interests deemed inappropriate for their age or using a child-like tone of voice.
Passion for Gaming
Society often allows men to indulge in hobbies like gaming much longer than it does for women. However, if a man prioritizes gaming over real-life responsibilities, it could indicate underlying autistic traits.
This video discusses the signs of autism in men, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these traits to foster understanding and support.
Discomfort with Physical Touch
Many autistic men prefer minimal physical contact and may feel overwhelmed by uninvited touch. This discomfort can create challenges in forming intimate relationships.
I hope you found this information useful. If you have additional insights or experiences, please share your thoughts in the comments. Engagement is valued, and I appreciate your support!
For more content on the neurodivergent experience, follow me or subscribe for updates about my upcoming book. Thank you for your encouragement!
Stay connected with me on social media; I recently started posting daily videos on TikTok and would love your feedback! Let me know if you discovered me through Medium.
Chapter 2: Misunderstood Behaviors
This video highlights five overlooked signs of autism, helping to raise awareness and understanding of the condition in men.