Adult Autism Diagnostic Process (Step-by-Step)

Introduction to the Adult Autism Evaluation Process

  • Host: Tay, with Mom on the Spectrum

  • Purpose: To walk through the diagnostic process for adult autism evaluation.

  • Date of Evaluation: 2020

  • Location: Texas (Psychologist, Dr. Laura Sanders)

  • Noted Importance: High response rate and interest in previous videos about diagnostic processes.

Finding a Provider

  • Crucial step in the diagnostic process.

  • Video resource available on finding a therapist, applicable to searching for a diagnosing psychologist for adult autism.

  • Mention of variability in diagnostic processes based on provider's methods and tests used.

Detailed Diagnostic Process Overview

Initial Steps

  • Comprehensive history form required for assessment.

    • Much more extensive than typical doctor's office forms.

    • Required detailed information on mental health history, physical health history, surgical history, and childhood experiences.

  • Importance of historical context; autism is present from a very young age.

    • Difficulty accessing past information may not ruin the process, but aids in thorough evaluations.

Pre-Evaluation Tests

  1. Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

    • Description: 50-question test with answers ranging from "definitely agree" to "definitely disagree."

    • Recommendation: Answer questions quickly without overthinking

    • Accessibility: Available online.

  2. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)

    • Description: Self-report measure to rate 21 anxiety symptoms, from “not at all present” to “severely present.”

    • Purpose: Helps ruling out other mental health conditions that may mimic autism.

  3. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)

    • Description: 21-item self-report measure assessing major depression symptoms based on DSM criteria.

    • Focus: Symptoms experienced in the last two weeks categorized by frequency.

  4. Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)

    • Length: 344 questions, providing a broad overview of various psychopathologies.

    • Purpose: To assist in narrowing down diagnoses and ruling out other conditions.

    • Note: Psychopathology is defined as the scientific study of mental disorders.

  5. Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2)

    • Purpose: Specifically identifies the severity of social impairment within the autism spectrum, differentiating it from other disorders.

Involvement of Family Members

  • Two additional tests: SRS-2 for a relative and PAS-O Female (Personality Assessment Screener-Observer).

  • Importance of cross-evaluation involving someone who knows the individual well for accuracy and consistency in observations.

In-Person Evaluation

  • Duration: Several hours, including an oral evaluation and further testing.

  • Nature of the Interaction: An informal conversation about personal experiences and life history.

  • Tests involved:

    1. Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2)

    • Measurement: Verbal, nonverbal, and composite scores for IQ assessment.

    1. Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)

    • Components: Measures attention, language, visuospatial abilities, and memory (both immediate and delayed).

  • Anecdote: Overheat issues during testing due to broken A/C, affecting comfort levels.

  • Personal thoughts: Importance of being prepared but remaining authentic during responses.

Preparing for the Evaluation

  • Recommendation from Laura Zdan of "Not Neurotypical" podcast: Document thoughts and experiences that qualify for an autism diagnosis.

  • Personal preparation: Tay wrote a 23-page document summarizing qualifying traits and experiences, which was highly appreciated by the psychologist.

  • Core Components to Mention:

    • Social differences

    • Communication differences

    • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., constantly clicking teeth or tapping fingers).

    • Restricted interests (e.g., psychology, video editing).

Outcome of the Evaluation

  • Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1.

  • Implications of receiving a formal diagnosis:

    • Clarification and understanding of personal and relational dynamics.

    • Validation of experiences, leading to greater self-acceptance and relational support.

  • Documentation: Detailed write-up provided by the psychologist that summarized findings and included diagnoses, possibly over 20 pages.

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

  • Emphasis on the value of respecting and understanding neurodiversity.

  • Advice on sharing diagnosis should be based on personal comfort and readiness.

  • The importance of patience and self-compassion throughout the evaluation process.

  • Quote to ponder: "Try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language…live the questions now."

  • Encouragement to engage in conversations about the evaluation process and to subscribe to the channel for supportive content.