Who Can Diagnose Autism?

While autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, many adults are now seeking assessments and diagnoses later in life. This is often due to increased awareness and understanding of autism, as well as a growing recognition that autism presents differently in adults compared to children.

One of the primary reasons for the underdiagnosis of autistic adults is the historical perception of autism in young boys and men. This has led to a significant gender bias in autism diagnosis, with many women, girls, AFAB being overlooked or misdiagnosed. As a result, many adults, particularly women, may have gone through their entire lives without realizing that their unique challenges and experiences are related to autism.

Recently, there’s been a greater emphasis on recognizing the spectrum or diversity of autism presentations. The mental health field and the public are slowly becoming more aware of the nuanced ways in which autism presents in adults, including differences in social interactions, communication, and sensory experiences.
 

Who Can Diagnose Autism in Adults?

Several healthcare providers can diagnose autism in adults, but psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists perform most assessments. Each discipline varies in terms of education and training requirements. Providers can also complete additional specialized training (and should!) to expand their autism knowledge post-graduation. 

Psychologists

• Bachelor’s degree

• Master’s degree

• Doctoral degree

• Internship, post-doctoral residency

• Licensure 
   

LCSWs

• Bachelor’s degree

• Master’s degree

• Supervised experience as an MSW

• Licensure

Psychiatrists

• Bachelor’s degree

• Medical degree

• Internship/residency

• Licensure
   

In addition to considering a potential autism assessor’s education or discipline, when you are wondering who can diagnose autism, also prioritize vetting their expertise. Look for a provider who understands autism through a neuro-affirming lens and, ideally, has lived experience. You want an assessor who understands how autism presents in adults, women, AFAB, and high masking and highly intelligent individuals. You want an assessor who understands the barriers to diagnosis that people of color, LGBTQIA+, and gender-diverse folks face at disproportionate rates.

The assessment process

The adult autism assessment process can be complex and lengthy. Barriers to an adult autism diagnosis include (this list is not exhaustive):

Limited resources for adults: 
Mental health providers are taught very little about autism, and most healthcare providers specializing in autism work only with children or use assessment measures that do not account for varied autistic perspectives, especially those of people of color, women, and trans individuals. Just as important as who can diagnose autism, it’s also important to ask yourself: how do they diagnose autism?

Cost/lack of insurance coverage:
Insurance carriers often do not cover adult autism assessments, and many providers that work with autistic adults do not accept insurance. Private pay assessment costs vary but are usually thousands of dollars. 

Masking: 
Many autistic adults have developed coping mechanisms, which can make the identification of autism-related traits more challenging. This is especially true for high masking autistic women and AFAB individuals.

Despite the challenging process, many adults describe the assessment process as life-changing. 
 

Benefits of Adult Autism Diagnosis

Self-diagnosis is a valid option. You are the expert of your experiences.

However, some adults seek an official diagnosis through formal assessment to access workplace or academic accommodations or disability benefits. Others use the diagnostic process to provide a framework to better understand themselves. A formal diagnosis can also provide a sense of validation and community.
 

Interested in learning more?

The NeuroSpark Health Process

Our services are designed to be easy, client-centered, and empowering. From the initial consultation to delivering services, we guide individuals through self-discovery, offering insights, recommendations, and a foundation for continued support. You can book a free consultation and feel free to ask as many questions as you want– including, who can diagnose autism?

Additional Resources
DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria for F86.0 Autism Spectrum Disorder

How is Autism Diagnosed?

How to Get an Autism Diagnosis