Living with autism as an adult: Part two

MPR News with Angela Davis

When many people think of autism, they think of children. But as awareness about autism grows, more adults are also being diagnosed with autism.

About two percent of adults are on the autism spectrum, which includes a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with sensory sensitivities, social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.

MPR News host Angela Davis hosts part two of an April Autism Awareness Month conversation about what it’s like to be an adult with autism, how to get diagnosed and the pros and cons of disclosing you’re autistic in your school or workplace.

Guests:

Daren Howard is deputy director of the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and sought his own diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder after his child received a diagnosis. He moved to Minnesota several years ago from California, where he consulted and led nonprofit organizations focused on giving children and teenagers access to after school and summer programing.

Zephyr James is director of marketing and communications with the Autism Society of Minnesota. They were diagnosed with autism as a young adult.