Common Signs of Autism in Kids and Adults

Let’s clear something up: autism doesn’t look like one thing. It’s not a single vibe, a specific quirk, or that one kid from the 90s TV show you’re thinking of. It’s a spectrum, and—surprise!—a lot of people are on it and didn’t know because no one ever thought to look outside the stereotypes.

Whether you’re wondering about your kid, your partner, or—be honest—yourself, here are some of the most common (and often missed) signs of autism in both children and adults.

For children, autism might look like:

• Deep focus on specific interests. Dinosaurs. Trains. Space. Minecraft. (And not just liking them—a full PhD-level obsession by age 5.)
• Big reactions to sounds, smells, or textures. Clothes with seams? Instant betrayal. Vacuum cleaner? The enemy.
• A strong need for routines. If bedtime is 8:02 instead of 8:00, we’re all emotionally spiraling.
• Struggling with social “rules.” Things like small talk, eye contact, or group play might feel awkward, confusing, or pointless.
• Stimming behaviors. Rocking, flapping, pacing, humming. These aren’t “bad habits”—they’re self-regulation superpowers.

For adults, autism might look like:

• Masking fatigue. You’ve been “acting normal” for so long that you're permanently exhausted and unsure which version of you is the real one.
• Sensory overload. Crowded grocery stores, loud restaurants, bright lights—no thank you forever.
• Hyperfocus or burnout cycles. You can build a website in 8 hours without eating, but can’t remember if you’ve done laundry this month.
• Difficulty with unspoken rules. Office politics, vague texts, the phrase “let’s circle back”—they all feel like social landmines.
• Emotional sensitivity. You feel things deeply. Like, deeply. But you’ve probably been told you’re “too sensitive” since you were five.

A diagnosis isn’t a label—it’s a flashlight.

Learning you or your child might be autistic isn’t the end of the world. It’s often the beginning of finally understanding yourself. It opens doors. It brings relief. And it can change everything—from how you plan your day, to how you relate to others, to how you take care of your very real, very valid needs.

And that’s where therapy comes in.

At Sunburst Psychology, we specialize in neurodivergent affirming therapy for both kids and adults. We’re based in Seattle and Bellevue, and we work with people who are discovering their autism story at every stage of life.

No shame. No fixing. Just understanding, support, and therapists who actually get it.

Wondering if what you're feeling might be autism?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

Schedule a free consultation call with us today and talk to someone who actually understands what you're going through. We’re here to help, not to diagnose you in five minutes or hand you a personality quiz from the 1950s.

Let’s talk. You deserve support that gets your brain.

Autism doesn’t look one specific way—it’s a spectrum, and many people are on it without even realizing. Forget the outdated stereotypes. Autism in children might show up as intense interests, sensory sensitivities, strict routines, and struggles with social norms. For adults, it could look like chronic masking, sensory overload, hyperfocus-burnout cycles, difficulty with unspoken rules, and deep emotional sensitivity.

Getting an autism diagnosis isn’t about labeling—it’s about understanding. It’s a powerful step toward self-awareness, relief, and support. At Sunburst Psychology, we offer neurodivergent-affirming therapy for kids and adults in Seattle and Bellevue. We support people exploring their autism story—whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or are ready for guidance.

No shame, no pressure, just real understanding.

Wondering if what you’re feeling might be autism? You’re not alone. Schedule a free consultation and talk to someone who truly gets it.

You deserve support that understands your brain.