Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as adults, those learning to cope later in life face different challenges than kids

TINLEY PARK, Ill. - It took Carie Ganser two years to learn colors.

"If you looked at her, she looked perfect," said Linda of her middle child. "She was tested at 4 years old, but nothing came up. But looking back, all the red flags were there."

Carie, now 44 and living with her parents in Tinley Park, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in her early 30s. Linda knew something was different when Carie wasn't meeting typical age benchmarks before starting kindergarten.

"She would come in and sit on her Sit'n Spin for a long time. ... It was the only toy that was her favorite," Linda said.

Thirty years ago, adults who had certain peculiarities were more likely diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder than ASD, according to Dr. Louis Kraus, medical director for Easter Seals Therapeutic Day Schools in Chicago and Tinley Park. The