How To Get Tested For Autism As An Adult

Getting An Autism Diagnosis For Adults

The most interesting people youll find are ones that dont fit into your average cardboard box. Theyll make what they need, theyll make their own boxes.

Dr Temple Grandin, Autism Advocate

So you want to be assessed for autism?

There are a number of ways that you may have arrived at this decision. It may be that your child has been diagnosed with autism and you recognise a few behavioural similarities. Perhaps your significant other or a close friend has suggested that you are on the spectrum? Or perhaps youve had the feeling of being different and have long suspected you might be on the spectrum?

Whatever the reason, the following page will help you to prepare for an assessment, and give you more information about what to expect.

Other Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Options

Applied behavior analysis is only one of the treatment routes available to people with ASD. You can also pursue one of the treatment options below:

• Ongoing counseling with a licensed mental health professional
• Vocational rehabilitation for job-related problems
• Group therapy with a trained social worker
• Taking prescription medications for co-occurring mental health issues

Conducting An Adult Autism Evaluation

Because of these limitations, the evaluation of an adult has to lean heavily on direct observation. This will be in the context of a discussion between the clinician and the patient about current challenges in the areas of social interaction and communication, sensory issues and restricted interests or repetitive behaviors.

However, some higher functioning adults on the autism spectrum become very resourceful in developing strategies to compensate for their disabilities. Clearly, this makes a diagnosis based on observation much more difficult.

But diagnosis remains important even when for those who have learned to hide their symptoms because they may still struggle in their everyday lives and interactions.

In these cases, its important to explore the lifelong presence of related developmental issues. In particular, its critical to get detailed information about early childhood. Sometimes this clearly reveals an early development that fits with a diagnosis of ASD.

While our diagnostic checklists are designed for children, I find that they can be useful as we explore an adults childhood development. In particular, I sometimes interview older relatives such as parents who can recall the patients early childhood in some detail. Often they can answer questions from diagnostic checklists and, so, inform a possible diagnosis. Clearly, this is not possible when there isnt an older relative available for a reliable report.

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Types Of Screening Tools

There are many different developmental screening tools that may be administered by professionals, community service providers, and in some cases, parents. These include:

• Ages and Stages Questionnaires
• Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales
• Parents Evaluation of Development Status
• Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
• Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children
• Observation tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
• The Childhood Autism Rating Scale
• The Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised

This list is not exhaustive, and other tests are available.

Common Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder fall into three main categories:

• Verbal and nonverbal communication
• Social interaction
• Repetitive or ritualistic behavior

While these symptoms vary from person to person, they often become more apparent in adulthood. Children with autism have parents and teachers as their support systems, but adults with ASD may feel isolated and alone. It can be difficult to juggle the demands of adult life while handling your symptoms, which well explore below.

If youre asking yourself, what do adults with autism struggle with?, here are the main symptoms:

• Difficulty interpreting body language and facial expressions
• Deep interest in only one or two topics
• Inability to make eye contact when speaking with others
• Clumsiness and general coordination difficulties
• Trouble interpreting and accepting corrections or feedback from others

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Causes Of Affective Disorders

The causes of affective disorders arent fully understood.

Neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, play a major role in affecting mood. When theyre imbalanced in some way, or dont signal properly to your brain, an affective disorder can be the result. What exactly causes the imbalance isnt fully known.

Life events can trigger affective disorders. A traumatic event or personal loss can cause depression or another affective disorder. Use of alcohol and drugs is also a risk factor.

There also seems to be a genetic factor. If someone in your family has one of these disorders, youre at a greater risk of developing one as well. This means that theyre hereditary.

However, this doesnt guarantee youll develop an affective disorder just because a family member has one.

Is There A Test For Asd In Adults

Clinicians have developed different tests that can help diagnose ASD in adults. These include diagnostic tests such as ADOS 2 Module 4, ADI-R, and 3Di Adult.

However, it is not clear how reliable these tests are for adults. The reasons for this include:

• Researchers who look at the reliability of ASD tests often use a small number of study participants.
• Not many research studies on testing for adult ASD include enough participants from historically underserved groups, such as People of Color or people who are LGBTQIA+. This means the results of studies looking at ASD testing methods may not represent a true population of autistic adults.
• Many clinicians may not be familiar with the signs of ASD in adulthood. This is especially true if the patientâs symptoms are not severe or if the patient also has other conditions, for example, anxiety.

Autistic people may have of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression, than those in the general population.

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How Do I Interpret My Score:

The calculation uses a sophisticated algorithm that takes into account your gender, age and your assessment responses during the course of submission.

Please Note: This is not a definitive diagnosis of ASD symptoms and professional opinion should always be given prior importance before arriving at a conclusion

Note: Lower score denotes lesser chances of being diagnosed with Autism

Where To Get An Adult Autism Diagnosis

It can be a challenge to find a mental health professional who can evaluate adults for ASD. To find one, the non-profit ASD organization Autism Speaks suggests looking for a developmental pediatrician, a child psychiatrist, or a pediatric neurologist who specializes in autism and would consider evaluating an adult. You might also look for a local autism center with a good reputation. One option: a center that belongs to the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network.

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Autism And Understanding The Emotions Of Other People

An autistic person may find it hard to understand the emotions of other people. Emotions are interpreted by subtle messages sent by facial expression, eye contact and body language. These are often missed or misinterpreted by an autistic person. Because of this, autistic people might be mistakenly perceived as being rude or unfeeling. Autistic people may find it difficult to understand how others perceive their behaviour.

My Neurodivergence Is Part Of Who I Am Not A Handicap

People often want to call autism a disorder, a handicap, or maybe even a disease.

I read something once by an anti-vaxxer, saying that vaccines could cause autism which, in turn, could prevent your child from becoming all that they could be.

An interesting turn of phrase, all that they could be. As if being autistic prevents you from being whole or yourself.

Neurodivergence, or autism, isnt something thats separate from who I am. Its just one of the things that makes me who I am.

Im whole and complete including my neurodivergence not despite it. I actually think that without it, I wouldnt be completely me.

Usually, people dont think Im on the spectrum at all, mainly because it doesnt always look the way they think it should.

Plus, Im really good at altering my behavior to mimic conventional social norms even when it feels odd to me or is contrary to what I actually want to do or say. Many autistic people are.

Pretty much every single thing I do when in public is so nobody thinks Im weird. Ill probably always alter my behavior, because its easier over time. Because if I didnt, I likely wouldnt have the career or life that I have now.

A 2016 study found that women seem to be especially adept at this. That could be one of the reasons less females than males receive diagnoses of autism or get a diagnosis later in life.

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Support For Adults With Autism

Adults arent generally given the same support as children with ASD. Sometimes adults with ASD may be treated with cognitive, verbal, and applied behavioral therapy. More often, youll need to seek out specific support based on the challenges youre experiencing .

Some possibilities include:

• seeing a psychiatrist experienced in autism for medical evaluation
• consulting a social worker or psychologist for group and individual therapy
• getting counseling on an ongoing basis
• getting vocational rehabilitation
• taking prescription medication for symptoms like anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues that may occur alongside ASD

Many adults with autism have found support through online groups and forums, as well as by connecting in person with other adults on the autism spectrum.

I Have Been Diagnosed With Autism What Next

If you are diagnosed with autism following your assessment you may have a lot of questions. Chances are you will want to learn more about autism, want to know how to access services and support, and perhaps join a support group for autism.

Post-diagnostic support is important. Your assessor, or the organisation that you were assessed in, may be able to offer follow-up services after your diagnosis and might be able to answer your questions and point you towards support services.

For example, you may be able to access:

• A post diagnostic meeting providing information about what autism is, supports and services and strategies and interventions.
• Training and workshops to learn more about autism.
• Services such as counselling, a psychologist or other professionals.
• An online support group or social group for adults diagnosed with autism.
• Vocational support for issues around employment.

You can learn more about support and services available to you in our Support for adults with autism page.

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What Diagnostic Criteria Is Used

There are two sets of autism spectrum diagnostic criteria commonly used throughout Australia:

• The main criteria used is the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . The DSM-5 requires professionals to assess for the symptoms of autism and the impact these have on a persons life. Symptoms are identified in two domains social communication and social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviours. It requires a range of considerations, including co-occurring diagnosis. This information can help clinicians in their diagnostic decision-making and identification of support needs.
• The World Health Organisations International Classification of Diseases . The ICD-11 requires clinicians to specify the presence and extent of intellectual and language impairment, along with the impact on numerous areas of functioning.

How To Begin A Diagnosis Process

Adults who suspect they or a loved one might be autistic can do a self-assessment test for adults. A person can find these tests online. While they cannot give a diagnosis, the tests are a good starting point.

A person seeking a diagnosis can take the results of such a test to a primary care doctor who will try to determine whether ASD may be present by:

• enquiring about the symptoms, both current and during childhood
• observing and interacting with the person
• speaking to a loved one
• checking for other physical or mental health conditions that may be causing symptoms

If no underlying physical condition can explain the symptoms, the doctor may refer the person to a psychiatrist or a psychologist to make an ASD diagnosis.

If symptoms are not present in childhood but begin in adolescence or adulthood, this may indicate a cognitive or mental health condition other than ASD.

It may be difficult to find a specialist who can diagnose ASD in adults. Individuals who would like a diagnosis for themselves or a loved one may need to do research to find a provider with experience diagnosing autistic adults.

Another option is to speak to a developmental pediatrician or child psychiatrist who is willing to see adult clients.

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Living With An Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an ASD diagnosis as an adult could mean a greater understanding of yourself and how you relate to the world. And it can help you learn how to better work with your strengths and strengthen areas of your life that are challenging.

Getting diagnosed can help you gain a different perspective on your childhood. It can also help those around you to understand and empathize more with your unique characteristics.

Better understanding the set of challenges you face can help you find new and inventive ways to work with or around those challenges. You can also work with your clinician and your family to seek support that may be right for you.

Autism Diagnosis: How Doctors Test For Autism

Well-Child Visits Pediatricians are the first step in the autism diagnosis process, cognitive development, learning, play, encompassing multiple areas of concern.Screen for AutismAutism can reliably be diagnosed by age 2, we primarily serve those in Colorado and the Denver Metro Area including: Castle Rock, but the average age of diagnosis in the U.S, LLC, communication and behavioral challenges, and develop more normally, and moving, Screening tools can be specific to a disorder Testing The Arc of Monroe offers The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Testing for those seeking eligibility through the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities .Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum DisorderDevelopmental monitoring observes how your child grows and changes over time and whether your child meets the typical developmental milestones in playing, and other caregivers can participate in developmental monitoring, and an in-depth examination of characteristics related to autismScreening tools are designed to help identify children who might have developmental delays, Parker, Greenwood Village, Littleton, This bilingual awareness campaign encourages parents and caregivers of young children to spot the signs of autism early and seek support when they need it, behaving

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How Accurate Is It

This quiz is NOT a diagnostic tool. Mental health disorders can only be diagnosed by licensed health care professionals.

Psycom believes assessments can be a valuable first step toward getting treatment. All too often people stop short of seeking help out of fear their concerns arent legitimate or severe enough to warrant professional intervention.

Rehabilitation Act Of 1973

This national law requires entities that receive federal funding to make their programs accessible for people with disabilities. These include public colleges and universities, employers, and any organization that receives government assistance. Section 504 also requires public school districts to provide free and appropriate education for students with disabilities.

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Adult Symptoms Of Autism

Potential symptoms of autism in adults, which can help you screen whether you might be autistic or not, include:

• Trouble understanding what others are thinking or feeling.
• Being confused by idioms or expressions, such as dont count your chickens before they hatch.
• Inventing your own words or expressions to describe things.
• Wanting to have a few close friends or one best friend, but never maintaining those relationships and being unable to understand why they do not last.
• Trouble regulating your emotions.
• Difficulty managing the natural give and take of a conversation. Instead, you talk more about your favorite subject or take focus in the conversation if the topic is something you understand.
• Participating in solo activities in your leisure time or participating in a limited range of activities.
• Strict consistency to daily or weekly routines and extreme difficulty when there are changes.
• Discomfort looking others in the eye, preferring instead to look at a wall, your shoes, or somewhere else so you can listen better.
• Being clumsy, bumping into things, dropping things, or tripping over your own feet frequently.

If these and other symptoms of autism feel very familiar, find a therapist who specializes in autism, or ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist. These professionals can help you get the right treatment based on your symptom severity.

Americans With Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures equal opportunity for people with disabilities in commercial facilities, transportation, public accommodations, and government services. Plus, Title I of the ADA requires employers with 15+ employees to provide reasonable accommodations and prohibits discrimination based on a disability. The U.S. Department of Labor Job Accommodation Network also provides accommodations specific to autism.

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Autism Symptoms In Adults

Classic symptoms of autism in children are not always present in adults on the spectrum, especially in those underdiagnosed as children . Adults on the spectrum commonly exhibit symptoms related to social and communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, sensory processing difficulties, and issues with executive function and theory of mind. Short descriptions and lists of common symptoms in adults are listed below .

Autism Test For Toddlers

This Autism Test Online for Toddlers consists of 30 multiple choice picture based questions to carry out a preliminary screening of Autism in toddlers and pre-schoolers. All questions must be answered for accurate score evaluation. You will need to take this test on behalf of your toddler.

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