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Thread about my adult autism assessment:
I’ve seen questions on Twitter about the process of getting an autism assessment as an adult.
I thought I’d share my experience for anyone who may want to have an idea of what to expect and would like advice about how to prepare. \\1
I’ve seen questions on Twitter about the process of getting an autism assessment as an adult.
I thought I’d share my experience for anyone who may want to have an idea of what to expect and would like advice about how to prepare. \\1
*DISCLAIMER*
Please keep in mind that the way that autism is assessed varies depending on the psychologist, region, etc, so I cannot tell you exactly how the process will go for you.
That said, this will give you insight into the types of questions you may be asked. \\2
Please keep in mind that the way that autism is assessed varies depending on the psychologist, region, etc, so I cannot tell you exactly how the process will go for you.
That said, this will give you insight into the types of questions you may be asked. \\2
THE PROCESS
My assessment took place over 4 sessions (1-hour each).
Session 1: Autism Screening
- The psychologist described the assessment process & discussed confidentiality policies.
- I answered background questions (e.g., marital status, residence, career). \\3
My assessment took place over 4 sessions (1-hour each).
Session 1: Autism Screening
- The psychologist described the assessment process & discussed confidentiality policies.
- I answered background questions (e.g., marital status, residence, career). \\3
(cont’d)
- I listed the reasons why I thought I was autistic.
- I was asked questions related to the criteria for ASD in the DSM-5, for example:
Do I have difficulty making friends? Empathizing? Coping with changes in routine?
Do I have sensitivities? Focused interests? \\4
- I listed the reasons why I thought I was autistic.
- I was asked questions related to the criteria for ASD in the DSM-5, for example:
Do I have difficulty making friends? Empathizing? Coping with changes in routine?
Do I have sensitivities? Focused interests? \\4
Session 2: Social Development
- I was asked to describe my relationships with my family & peers throughout my childhood, adolescence, & adulthood.
- Specifically, I had to discuss my dynamic/connection with others, & if I felt loved. \\5
- I was asked to describe my relationships with my family & peers throughout my childhood, adolescence, & adulthood.
- Specifically, I had to discuss my dynamic/connection with others, & if I felt loved. \\5
Session 3: Differential Diagnosis
- This session was focused on ruling out other causes of my “symptoms”.
- I did the Structured Clinical Interview, which had questions related to common psych disorders: anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, BPD, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse \\6
- This session was focused on ruling out other causes of my “symptoms”.
- I did the Structured Clinical Interview, which had questions related to common psych disorders: anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, BPD, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse \\6
(cont’d)
- I filled out 3 questionnaires: (1) Adult Autism Quotient, (2) Cambridge Behaviour Scale, (3) Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2
- I did the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test: http://socialintelligence.labinthewild.org/mite/ \\7
- I filled out 3 questionnaires: (1) Adult Autism Quotient, (2) Cambridge Behaviour Scale, (3) Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2
- I did the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test: http://socialintelligence.labinthewild.org/mite/ \\7
Session 4: Results
- This session took place 1 month after session 3.
- I received my test results, orally and in a written report.
- The psychologist explained the evidence for my autism diagnosis.
- I got a referral to a psychologist for help with my mental health issues. \\8
- This session took place 1 month after session 3.
- I received my test results, orally and in a written report.
- The psychologist explained the evidence for my autism diagnosis.
- I got a referral to a psychologist for help with my mental health issues. \\8
COST & WAIT TIME:
- The total cost of my autism assessment was $900 CAD.
- I had it done through private practice, so there was almost no wait time (only 1 week).
- I realize how privileged I am to have been able to afford the assessment & receive it in a short timeframe. \\9
- The total cost of my autism assessment was $900 CAD.
- I had it done through private practice, so there was almost no wait time (only 1 week).
- I realize how privileged I am to have been able to afford the assessment & receive it in a short timeframe. \\9
ADVICE:
1) Learn as much about autism as possible beforehand
- Look up the DSM-5 criteria
- Find resources developed by #ActuallyAutistic people
- YouTube channels: @NeuroRebel , @Purpleella , @TheAspieWorld , @Samantha_Stein
- Blogs: @thinkingautism , @AspieHuman \\10
1) Learn as much about autism as possible beforehand
- Look up the DSM-5 criteria
- Find resources developed by #ActuallyAutistic people
- YouTube channels: @NeuroRebel , @Purpleella , @TheAspieWorld , @Samantha_Stein
- Blogs: @thinkingautism , @AspieHuman \\10
2) Self-assess your autism beforehand
- Create a list of reasons why you think you are autistic
- Chart out your autistic traits throughout your lifetime
- Ask friends & family to give insight on your autistic traits
- Do online tests: https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient \\11
- Create a list of reasons why you think you are autistic
- Chart out your autistic traits throughout your lifetime
- Ask friends & family to give insight on your autistic traits
- Do online tests: https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient \\11
3) Put yourself in the best mental and physical state
- Try to go to bed early the night before your sessions
- Make sure that you eat and drink beforehand
- Clear your schedule \\12
- Try to go to bed early the night before your sessions
- Make sure that you eat and drink beforehand
- Clear your schedule \\12
4) Stay calm
- The sessions can be very anxiety-inducing. It’s easy to get overwhelmed
- Take your time answering questions
- Admit when you feel uncomfortable
- Ask for a short break if you need it \\13
- The sessions can be very anxiety-inducing. It’s easy to get overwhelmed
- Take your time answering questions
- Admit when you feel uncomfortable
- Ask for a short break if you need it \\13
5)Distract yourself while waiting for results
- DO NOT spend every day analyzing everything you said during the sessions (I may have been guilty of that…
)
- Keep your mind off of it, by focusing on hobbies and interests \\14
- DO NOT spend every day analyzing everything you said during the sessions (I may have been guilty of that…
) - Keep your mind off of it, by focusing on hobbies and interests \\14
6)Be ready to self-advocate
- It is possible that you may get a result that you do not agree with.
- If so, after receiving your results, prepare and present strong counterarguments to the verdict.
- Ask a loved one to help with communication. \\15
- It is possible that you may get a result that you do not agree with.
- If so, after receiving your results, prepare and present strong counterarguments to the verdict.
- Ask a loved one to help with communication. \\15
I hope this helps! If you have any questions, I’m always more than happy to chat. 
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