The Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum (MIGDAS-2)

At NeuroSpark Health, we use the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2) as part of our adult autism evaluation process. Unlike checklists or deficit-based tools, the MIGDAS-2 offers a qualitative, strength-informed approach that centers your lived experience and identity.

This structured clinical interview is designed for autistic individuals with fluent speech and provides a rich, narrative-based understanding of how autism shows up across different areas of development. It’s especially useful in identifying traits that may be missed by more traditional tools, such as in high-masking individuals, women and AFAB adults, BIPOC clients, and those with above-average intelligence or complex presentations.

What Does the MIGDAS-2 Assess?

The MIGDAS-2 adult interview explores how autistic traits show up across three core areas:

• Language and Communication: how you use and interpret verbal and nonverbal language, process conversations, and express yourself
• Social Relationships and Emotional Responses: how you navigate friendships, intimacy, boundaries, empathy, and connection
• Sensory Use and Interests: your sensory preferences, regulation strategies, and unique passions or routines

Rather than pathologizing differences, the MIGDAS-2 helps us create a descriptive profile of how you uniquely relate to the world. It’s a tool that honors complexity, autonomy, and identity, especially for those who’ve spent a lifetime trying to “fit in” or explain what has always felt different.

What to Expect

The interview lasts 90 to 120 minutes and is conducted via secure telehealth video with one of our clinicians. While structured, the process is collaborative, conversational, and intentionally non-clinical in tone. Many clients describe it as one of the most affirming parts of their evaluation, an experience that puts words to patterns they’ve sensed for years.

This interview is particularly effective for clients who:

• Mask or camouflage in social settings
• Have a history of misdiagnosis or being overlooked
• Want a clearer understanding of their sensory, emotional, and relational experiences
• Identify as 2e (twice exceptional) or AuDHD
• Are exploring autism in the context of identity, burnout, or self-understanding

Why We Use the MIGDAS-2

We choose tools that reflect our values: identity-affirming care, trauma-informed assessment, and honoring neurodivergent ways of being. The MIGDAS-2 helps us move beyond outdated stereotypes of autism and toward a more individualized, inclusive model, especially for adults who were never assessed in childhood.

Available in 45+ States via Telehealth

We offer virtual autism assessments for adults in over 45 states, using tools like the MIGDAS-2 to ensure your experience is as comprehensive and affirming as possible. If you’ve been searching for “adult autism testing near me,” chances are high that we can help no matter where you live.

✅ Not sure if we’re licensed in your state? Click here to view our areas served page.

Learn More About the MIGDAS-2

Want the technical details? You can find more information about the MIGDAS-2 here.

Still have questions? Reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you figure out whether the MIGDAS-2 or another evaluation approach is the best fit for your needs.