Who Can Diagnose Autism in Adults?

The professionals adults are usually referred to

Wondering whether you might be autistic is a common and reasonable question at any age. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says adults with this question should talk with a health care provider and ask for a referral for an autism evaluation. It adds that adults can be referred to a neuropsychologist, psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience with autism spectrum disorder.

For children, the list looks a little different. The CDC names developmental pediatricians, child neurologists and child psychologists or psychiatrists as specialists who can do an in-depth evaluation and make a diagnosis. Many of those specialists focus on children, which is one reason an adult search can feel less clear.

Your starting point can be a primary care provider. MedlinePlus explains that this can be a doctor in family practice or internal medicine, a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. NIMH notes that a primary care provider can help refer you to a mental health professional. Exactly which professionals may diagnose autism depends on their training and their state's licensing rules, so it is always fair to ask a provider directly.

Why adults often find it harder to get evaluated

NIMH is direct about this: diagnosing autism in adults is often more difficult than diagnosing it in children. In adults, some signs of autism can overlap with those of conditions such as an anxiety disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NIMH also says that evaluation for autism in adults is still being refined.

There is also no lab test to lean on. The CDC explains that there is no medical test, such as a blood test, to diagnose autism, so professionals look at development and behavior instead. The CDC adds that some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults.

Sometimes another concern opens the door. According to the CDC, anxiety, depression and ADHD occur more often in autistic people than in people without autism, and young adults may first come to a provider's attention because of one of these. That overlap is exactly why an experienced evaluator matters: their job is to understand the whole picture, not just the most visible part of it.

What a thorough adult evaluation covers

Autism is a difference in how the brain develops, and it is called a spectrum because people have a wide range of strengths, challenges and support needs. NIMH says the expert evaluating an adult will ask about:

• social interaction and communication challenges
• sensory issues, such as how you respond to light, sound, clothing or temperature
• repetitive behaviors
• restricted interests

Why your early history matters so much

NIMH explains that autism is described as a developmental condition because signs generally appear in the first two years of life, even though it can be diagnosed at any age. That means an adult evaluation looks back as well as at the present.

NIMH says the evaluation may include a conversation with caregivers and family members to learn about your early developmental history, which can help ensure an accurate diagnosis. If your parents are not available, or you would rather not involve them, tell the provider early and ask how they will gather that history another way.

It also helps to remember what a careful evaluation can offer. NIMH says getting a correct diagnosis as an adult can help people understand past challenges, identify personal strengths and find the right kind of help.

What to look for in a provider

Because the title on the door does not tell you everything, a few direct questions can save you time. NIMH suggests preparing a list of questions before a health care visit and considering bringing a friend or relative for support. The same habits work well when you are choosing an evaluator.

How we can help

If you are still deciding whether to seek an evaluation, our free autism signs checklist is an informal list that can help you decide whether to talk to someone. It is not a screening test, it is not validated, and it cannot diagnose.

Locascio Wellness offers an autism evaluation for adults, carried out entirely by secure video. Evaluations are offered only to people physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during appointments. Our reports are co-signed by a supervising licensed psychologist. An evaluation usually involves an intake appointment, then one or two sessions, then the written report, which at the moment is usually ready about a month after the first evaluation appointment. Findings are explained in plain language, with time for questions.

Evaluations are private-pay and are not billed to insurance. A sliding scale is available, and you can read about what evaluations cost. If someone has asked you for a report, ask them what they need and who must sign it, and share that with us before you book. To start, send the short evaluation request form or book a free 15-minute consultation.

Therapy is a separate service. Whatever an evaluation shows, therapists on our team offer anxiety therapy and depression therapy by video for support with what often comes alongside autism. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.