Although the symptoms typically appear in the first three years of life, it is a life long disability. Inability to communicate effectively - These adults lack an understanding of the nuances of language. Their language is very literal. Sometimes there is no language at all. Ritual - Many adults with autism have very ritualized behaviors.
Routines become very important and rigid.
This all leads to an inability to make and keep friends, an inability to find and hold jobs, and an inability to express themselves. This, in turn, leads to frustration, anxiety, withdrawal and depression. The majority of adults with autism need lifelong training, ongoing supervision and reinforcement of skills. The public schools' responsibility for providing these services ends when the person is 21 years old. Adults with autism do not have any suppports after they reach age 21.