Adult Autism Test and Resources

Autism (also referred to as autism spectrum disorder or ASD by those working from a deficit-based model) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is often diagnosed in childhood. However, due to stereotypes and misconceptions about autism’s presentation, combined with a significant lack of specialized training across the medical community, autism is not always identified during childhood, especially for women and people of color. Many adults wonder if they have been missed, too, and later in life, they begin to explore the possibility of autism for themselves. 

The good news is that there are autism tests that can help. Free screeners (e.g., CAT-Q, RAADS-R, monotropism questionnaire) are available and may be helpful when exploring the possibility of an autism diagnosis. These online adult autism tests help identify whether you have any autistic traits or masking behaviors. The questions look to see if you have any differences or difficulty dealing with social situations, understanding aspects of language, multitasking, and more. While helpful, these screeners are not diagnostic and should not be confused with an autism assessment performed by a healthcare provider; an autism assessment is required for formal diagnosis, while online screening measures can be used for information purposes, self-identification, or self-diagnosis. 

Other helpful resources include connections with other autistic adults in the community (self-diagnosed autistic, formally diagnosed autistic, and autistic-exploring individuals). These autistic creators, self-advocates, therapists, and educators have developed resources and offer services that can help in various ways. Connecting with resources and services created, offered, and facilitated by neurodivergent people themselves provides not only professional expertise but invaluable lived experience as well.

Should you take an adult autism test?

Many adults self-diagnose, and adult autism tests often aid this process in the form of free online screeners, such as the monotropism questionnaire. These screening questionnaires can help determine how one aligns with the traits and characteristics of autism. If you experience several autistic traits, this may inform your decision to pursue a formal autism assessment as an adult.  Here are some broad examples of the autistic experience that may resonate with you:

• Difficulty with socializing and relationships; an intense need to rest/recover after high-demand social situations; difficulty understanding other people’s emotions and feelings

• Sensory differences (sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviors); experiencing social anxiety

• Communication differences (difficulty with verbal or nonverbal communication);  Preferring to be alone

• Information processing differences; People call you blunt or rude when that’s not your intention

• Sticking to a strict or familiar routine and having intense challenges with unfamiliar or unexpected environments/changes/transitions 

• A tendency towards repetition and sameness

Who is this autism test for?

The online autism test in the form of a screener is designed for adults who question whether they are neurodivergent or suspect they exhibit autistic characteristics. These traits could include challenges in social interactions and understanding emotions, as well as a preference for following a specific routine. It is important to note that autism varies widely among individuals, so specific traits may differ from person to person.

What else should I do if the test suggests I could be autistic?

Whether you are self-diagnosed, autistic-exploring, or pursuing an adult autism evaluation, autistic identification can provide many benefits, including: 

• Increased self-awareness of mental, emotional, and behavioral patterns 

• Gaining validation about your differences, experiences, and specific neurotype 

• Understanding yourself from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective 

• Determining if you could benefit from further support and resources 

• Connecting with the community 

In addition to recognizing these benefits, it's essential to take practical steps toward understanding and managing your potential autism diagnosis. Here are some recommended actions to consider: 

• Don't panic. Autism describes a brain that is different, not one that is broken or flawed. 

• Educate yourself by reading trustworthy autism resources to gain a deeper understanding. 

• Engage in open conversations with friends, family, or trusted individuals to share your thoughts and seek support. 

• Contact NeuroSpark Health to discuss the possibility of obtaining a formal diagnosis. 

• If comfortable, consider discussing your situation with your employer to explore any workplace accommodations that may be helpful. 

Remember, seeking support and information is crucial in navigating your journey toward understanding and embracing your neurodiversity.

After taking the autism test or screening, how do I get an official diagnosis?

After taking an autism test, the next step towards obtaining a formal autism diagnosis typically involves finding a neurodiversity-affirming autism assessor for a free consultation. During this consultation, you will discuss the characteristics and concerns that led you to seek autism testing for adults. Depending on your unique needs and your comfort level with the provider, you may decide to move forward with an adult autism assessment. Following the evaluation, you may receive a formal report outlining the diagnosis. This report will also provide post-diagnosis support options and recommendations, which can help you understand your autism diagnosis and neurotype better and explore potential options for post-diagnostic support. 

Deciding to pursue a formal adult autism assessment is a personal decision, and one people pursue a variety of reasons. Often, people are interested in a comprehensive evaluation to learn more about themselves, or they may be self-diagnosed but seeking validation from an “expert.” They may need a diagnosis to access specific services or benefits, such as vocational rehab programs or scholarships. They may want a diagnosis to receive academic or occupational accommodations. They may want a diagnosis to correct misdiagnosis from a previous provider, or they may feel a prior diagnosis fits but fails to capture the whole picture. 

It’s important to note that in addition to the benefits of an adult autism assessment, there are potential risks associated with a formal diagnosis. In some cases having a documented autism diagnosis has been reported to interfere with parental rights, prevent or postpone immigration to certain countries, adversely impact life insurance policies, disqualify one from accessing gender-affirming care, affect one’s ability to adopt, and interfere with legal autonomy, etc. These risks are one of the reasons NeuroSpark Health does not communicate with insurance companies. Your results are confidential and shared only with you, giving you the autonomy to decide if/how you would like to share this information.

Why neurodivergent identity exploration is important 

By gaining a better understanding of how you align with the autism diagnostic criteria, you can find peace in understanding certain aspects of yourself and how your brain works. That’s what an adult autism test can do.

Whether you are self-diagnosed, autistic-exploring, or pursuing an adult autism test, autistic identification can provide many benefits, including:

• Increased self-awareness of mental, emotional and behavioral patterns

• Gaining validation about your differences and specific neurotype

• Understanding yourself from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective

• Determining if you could benefit from further support and resources

• Connecting with community

Resources to explore following an adult autism test

After autism testing and diagnosis, many individuals wonder what’s next. They have answers about who they are and how their brains work, right? 

Actually, neurodivergent exploration and experience don’t just stop after an autism diagnosis. The truth is, this is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery. They may need to research and learn as much as they can about autism. They may be called to connect with other autistic and neurodivergent people in the community. They often want to engage with others with lived experiences themselves. They may decide to pursue professional support through therapy or coaching. They may pursue accommodations, enabling them to perform their roles more successfully and sustainably. The good news is we don’t have to figure everything out alone. The community is flourishing with brilliant, creative, innovative, actually autistic people who have risen to the occasion and created a myriad of resources and opportunities. 

Here are just a few recommendations for resources worth exploring after an autism test. Additional resources can be found on the NeuroSpark Health resources pages.

Books:

• Unmasking Autism by Devon Price

• What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic by Annie Kotowicz

• Women With Autism by Claire Jack, Ph.D.

Podcasts:

• BBC Sounds - 1800 Seconds on Autism

• Them Aspergers

• Spectrumly Speaking

Inclusive therapy directories:

• Inclusive Therapists

• Gaylesta

• Neurodivergent Therapists

NeuroSpark Health provides answers and support

At NeuroSpark Health, we offer adult autism testing (via formal diagnostic assessment) and are here for you every step of the way﹣from initial consultation, to diagnosis, to post-assessment follow up in the form of ND-affirming therapy, coaching, and accommodations consulting. We strive to offer you support and resources that are relevant to you and your individual needs. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need guidance or direction on what resources would benefit you.  

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial consultation.