Reasons People Seek Adult Autism Assessment
“Others have suggested I might have Autism.”
“Conversations are really difficult for me; I don’t enjoy talking with other people about their interests.”
“I saw posts on TikTok about Autism, and I think I may have it.”
“My family member has Autism, and I think I may, too.”
“I get overwhelmed by my senses.”
“I’m stuck in my social life and career, and I don’t know why.”
“I feel different from the people around me.”
These and many other concerns about social interaction, communication patterns, information processing, and behaviors often lead people to wonder if they have Autism, and to consider evaluation. Quality adult Autism assessment can be difficult to find, expensive, and time-consuming, which complicates the search for answers.
A 2023 article on psychologytoday.com(1) offers additional information about why Autism diagnosis as an adult is important.
Key points(2):
- Living with undiagnosed Autism leads people to feel there is something wrong with them, and to experience confusion about their place in the world, alienation and isolation, low self-esteem, abuse and trauma, depression, anxiety, and burnout.
- Proper diagnosis and assessment of Autism in adults is critical for mental health, and leads to self-compassion, improved quality of life, and in many cases, improved outcome in school and/ or work.
Benefits of Autism Assessment for Adults
How can diagnosis of Autism benefit adults? First, diagnosis can help individuals understand, accept, and value their strengths and areas of need. Receiving the diagnosis, when appropriate, helps people access support, services, accommodations, and a community of other people with Autism. Autistic people often grow up trying to adapt to their circumstances, though they can feel like square pegs trying to fit into round holes. While they work to fit in to their surroundings, they can and do develop new skills. However, the social demands, information processing demands, and expectations of the world can be exhausting, and lead to what many refer to as “burnout.” Burnout often worsens during times of stress such as major life transitions. Assessment and diagnosis can help a person begin to shift their focus from how they can change themselves to fit into the world, to how their surroundings should be adapted, to allow for more happiness and success. Autism assessment recommendations (for work, school, home, and the community) are designed to assist with this process. Next, assessment helps individuals understand better how they process information, which can affect most or all aspects of life. This can lead to improved navigation of time-management: for example, by prioritizing activities they must complete or want to complete, reducing unnecessary commitments, limiting challenging social interactions, and protecting the time they need to rest and recover. In addition, in adults living with undiagnosed Autism, depression and anxiety are commonplace, but often improve after accurate diagnosis and implementation of recommendations. Identification of Autism can also be beneficial in that it can lead to community building for the individual, when others with similar symptoms are found online or in person. This helps reduce isolation, fosters feelings of normalcy and appreciation for neurodivergent traits, and widens the social network. Assessment helps people optimize not only their performance at work and school, but their happiness, self-esteem, and quality of life.
When is Adult Autism Assessment Recommended?
In a 2021 article titled “Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: Diagnosis and Management,” the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in London(3) recommended assessment for Autism in adults when one or more of the following are present:
- Persistent difficulties or differences in social communication
- Persistent difficulties with social interaction
- Rigid/ repetitive stereotypic behaviors, resistance to change, or restricted interests
And one or more of the following:
- Challenges with obtaining education and employment, or sustaining employment
- Difficulties initiating or sustaining relationships
- Previous contact with mental health services/ services for learning differences
- A history of a neurodevelopmental condition (which may include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or learning disorders) or a mental health disorder
If you believe you may have Autism or features of Autism, and you are aged 16 or older, additional information about Autism assessment is available: https://amyblackmonphd.com/services/autism-assessment-for-adults/.
Feel free to contact me here, as well: https://amyblackmonphd.com/contact/