#TEST FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM SERIES#

You’ll answer questions about your childhood, and your clinician might request to speak with your parents or other older family members to gain their perspectives about your lifelong behavior patterns. The clinician will want to speak with you about any issues you have regarding communication, emotions, behavioral patterns, range of interests, and more. Your doctor may then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an in-depth assessment. If you’re interested in being evaluated for ASD, begin with your family doctor, who will evaluate you to be certain that there is no underlying physical illness accounting for your behaviors. They also take into consideration any symptoms the person reports experiencing.

#TEST FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM SERIES#

But the current DSM-5 criteria can be adapted and used for this age group.Ĭlinicians primarily diagnose adults with ASD through a series of in-person observations and interactions. There are currently no ASD diagnostic criteria specifically for adults. You learn well visually or by listening.You are able to learn complex details and remember them for long periods of time.Others perceive you as eccentric or an academic.You prefer to work and play by yourself, rather than with others.You feel like you’re clumsy or have difficulty with coordination.You are very sensitive to sensory input (like pain, sound, touch, or smell), or you are much less sensitive to these things than other people.Some autistic people may do very well in some areas while also having great difficulty doing well in others. You are very successful in one or two challenging academic subject areas.You care deeply and are knowledgeable about a few specific areas of interest (like a historical period, book series, film, industry, hobby, or field of study).You have repetitive behaviors and rituals.You have rigid routines, schedules, and daily patterns that must be maintained no matter what.You get upset when your things are moved or rearranged.When something unexpected happens, you respond with an emotional meltdown.Changes in routines and expectations cause strong feelings that may include outbursts or meltdowns.You have trouble regulating your emotions and your responses to them.Building and maintaining close friendships is difficult.You make noises in places where quiet is expected.

You talk a lot about one or two favorite topics.

You talk in the same patterns and tone whether you’re at home, with friends, or at work.

You don’t like to look at someone’s eyes when talking to them.

Understanding figures of speech and turns of phrase (like “The early bird catches the worm” or “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”) is difficult.

You invent your own descriptive words and phrases.

You use flat, monotone, or robotic speaking patterns that don’t communicate what you’re feeling.

(You might not be able to tell whether someone is pleased or unhappy with you.)

You’re unable to read body language and facial expressions well.

You have trouble relating to others’ thoughts or feelings.

Participating in conversation is difficult.

In the past, this has been referred to as “high-functioning” autism.įollowing are signs of autism in adults: Social communication behaviors If you’re an adult who hasn’t been diagnosed with autism, but you believe you may be on the spectrum, it’s possible that you may be considered autistic with lower support needs. Most of the time, prominent symptoms of ASD are diagnosed in young children around toddler age. Signs of autism with lower support needs in adults If you think you may be on the autism spectrum, this article will explain common traits associated with ASD, as well as diagnosis and support options. While autism is most often diagnosed in toddlers, it’s possible for autistic adults to go undiagnosed. Similarly, they may not notice that they feel or behave differently, but others around them may notice that they behave or act differently. They might have felt that way since childhood but haven’t been able to pinpoint exactly why. Others who have lower support needs (sometimes referred to “ high-functioning”) may simply feel like something is “different” about them. Some people with autism experience symptoms that can make daily life difficult without appropriate therapies and supports.

symptoms that affect quality of life and functioning in areas like work and school.

repetitive behaviors and a narrow set of interests.

difficulty communicating and interacting with others.

According to the DSM-5, autism is characterized by:

Test for autism spectrum