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, and later in life, they begin to explore the possibility of autism for themselves.
What is an Adult Autism Test?
An adult autism test is a screener designed to help individuals identify whether they have traits associated with autism. These tests are not diagnostic but can provide insight into your neurodivergent traits. Online tests, such as the RAADS-R or the monotropism questionnaire, evaluate whether you have common autism characteristics like difficulty in social situations, sensory issues, or challenges with communication.
While these tools can be helpful, it’s important to note that they cannot replace a formal assessment from a healthcare provider. A formal autism assessment is necessary for an official diagnosis. However, these autism tests can help you reflect on your experiences and consider whether autism might be a factor in your life.
Who Should Consider an Adult Autism Test?
If you’re an adult who’s wondering whether autism may play a role in your experiences, taking an online autism test can be super helpful. Here are a few traits that represent the broad autism experience. If these resonate with you, that might suggest you could benefit from exploring an autism assessment:
- Difficulty with Socializing: Struggling with social cues, making friends, or understanding other people’s emotions.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Experiencing heightened or diminished sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or smells.
- Social Anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed by social situations and needing recovery time afterward.
- Rigid Routines: A strong preference for routine, and distress when plans change unexpectedly.
- Communication Challenges: Difficulty in verbal or non-verbal communication, or needing time to process information.
If several of these traits resonate with you, an adult autism test might be a helpful first step in understanding your neurodivergent identity.
Next Steps After Taking an Autism Test
After completing (a million!!!) online autism tests/screeners, most of us wonder, “What now?” If the results suggest that autism is a likely possibility:
- 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.
When Autism Tests Aren’t Enough: The Need for a Formal Diagnosis
Adult autism tests and screeners can provide helpful insights, but they are not conclusive or diagnostic. An evaluation is required for those interested in a formal autism diagnosis (for accommodations, disability, FMLA, etc.).
Deciding to pursue a formal evaluation is a personal decision, and one people choose for 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 a misdiagnosis from a previous provider, or they may feel a prior diagnosis fits but fails to capture the whole picture.
During the diagnostic assessment, the clinician will evaluate your history, traits, and experiences to determine whether autism is a part of your neurodivergent identity.
A formal diagnosis can help you:
- Understand yourself better: Gain insight into how your brain works and why you may have struggled with certain things.
- Validate your experiences: Knowing you’re not alone in your challenges can provide peace of mind.
- Access support: A formal diagnosis can open doors to accommodations, therapy, and other resources.
Read: Is a Formal Evaluation Right for Me?
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, 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, allowing you to decide if/how you would like to share this information.
Exploring Your Neurodivergent Identity
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
Is self-diagnosis coaching a better fit for you? Read more here.
Resources to Explore Following an Adult Autism Test
After taking an adult autism test, you may find it helpful to explore additional resources to further your understanding of autism. Some options include:
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
- 1800 Seconds on Autism (BBC Sounds)
- The Late Discovered Club
- The Other Autism
- The Neurodivergent Woman
- Spectrumly Speaking
Therapy & Coaching Directories
Key Takeaways:
- Autism tests/screeners can help identify autism traits but aren’t diagnostic.
- Consider pursuing a formal autism assessment for a conclusive diagnosis.
- Exploring autism can lead to greater self-understanding and access to support resources.
- Neurodivergent-affirming professionals can guide you through the process of self-discovery.
NeuroSpark Health: Here to Support You
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.