Am I Autistic?

Posted by EpicWatson on January 19th, 2021

A Guide to Diagnosis for Adults by ABA Therapy Experts in St. Louis, Missouri

Has your child recently received an Autism diagnosis? Do people around you feel that you display some traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? With the vast amount of information available on the internet, many of us tend to refer to Doctor Google to look up medical symptoms and conduct a self-diagnosis. The risk of this approach is that the worldwide web often contains generic information that may lead to unnecessary anxiety instead of accurate assessments.

However, it is important to know that receiving an Autism diagnosis in adulthood is not uncommon. In fact, studies show that for every three diagnosed cases of ASD, there are two additional undiagnosed cases. With an improved understanding of Autism, extensive academic research, and evolved assessment methods, identifying ASD in adults has become easier than it was a few decades ago.  

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy experts at AB Spectrum offer a quick guide to ASD diagnosis for adults.

Autism Self-Identification

Similar to the symptoms experienced by children with ASD, undiagnosed adults may notice specific markers that indicate Autism:

• Persistent deficiencies in social interaction or communication
• Inability to read social cues or unexplained anxiety in public situations
• Restricted or repetitive patterns of interests, behaviors, or activities
• Sensitivity to stimuli (light, sounds, touch, specific visuals, and other such aspects)
• Intense interest in a specific activity, project, idea or subject

Due to a greater understanding and awareness of ASD characteristics and markers, undiagnosed adults may start becoming self-aware of certain lifelong experiences or challenges that were previously unexplainable. Reflecting back on moments in life, they may start to view certain happenings through the lens of Autism. Whether it was about maintaining relationships, expressing emotions, ongoing anxiety or depression, or socializing abilities, several aspects may come under consideration. At times, it may become apparent that previous symptoms were misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or mood disorders, which led to poor treatments or prolonged challenges.

However, this new identity and awareness may either:

• Lead to a sense of relief due to a better understanding of why certain things happened the way they did, or
• Cause feelings of resentment, loss, anger, confusion, or sadness that an early diagnosis may have saved many hardships or led to better support.

During this time, it is critical to focus on the strengths and positives and remind oneself that every individual can learn, adapt, grow, change, and find new ways to make life easier and more comfortable.

Autism Formal Diagnosis

The rigidity in routines, struggles in social interactions, or sensitivity to stimuli are most often indicative of ASD. However, whether to opt for self-identification or seek an official diagnosis is a personal decision for every individual. Self-identification may allow the individual to be completely discreet about their ASD diagnosis, if that is their preference. However, a formal assessment may offer certain other benefits:

• Access to government provided support systems and services. For example, income support programs may help in securing additional finances if the person’s condition is leading to an inability to work full-time.
• Specialized mental health services, workplace support, (such as a job coach), or even a support person who regularly looks in on the individual with ASD
• Peace of mind and validation that the individual has ASD, due to which they may have different experiences than neurotypical individuals.

While there is no standardized or universally endorsed screening tool for assessing adults for Autism, most clinicians rely on one of these tests, specifically designed for adults:  ADOS 2 Module 4, 3Di Adult, ADI-R, AFQ, OCI-R, SRS 2, AdAS Spectrum, or RAADS-14. Psychiatrists, psychologists, or neuropsychologists can administer ASD assessments. One can also contact the local Autism Society or services organizations for questions or support related to a formal assessment.

Coping with Autism Diagnosis as Young Adults or Adults

Higher functioning individuals on the Autism spectrum may often go undiagnosed until a certain life stage or life event triggers overt symptoms. For example, when young adults complete school or take up their first job, they may suddenly experience the pressures of independent decision-making, increased social complexities, or lack of defined routines and structures that they were used to during their early years. This could lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which in turn could cause failures in their future milestones in higher education, relationships, or jobs.

Adults who receive an Autism diagnosis or self-identify their ASD symptoms should seek help and counsel, confide in loved ones, do more research about ASD, and access the Autism support services available in their area. Remaining flexible, not thinking of mistakes as failures, and understanding that living with ASD is a process, will help the individual in coping with an Autism diagnosis in adulthood.

About Autism and Behavior Spectrum (AB Spectrum)

Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, AB Spectrum uses the Reggio Emilia ABA philosophyto offer tailor-made treatments for individuals with Autism. Their team consists of qualified ABA practitioners, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT). They deliver flexible, high-impact ABA programs and interventions through their Autism treatment centers in St. Charles and Chesterfield, Missouri, as well as in-home therapy sessions throughout the St. Louis area of Missouri. At AB Spectrum, the goal is to bring about meaningful and long-lasting changes that improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD, as well as their families.

Book a consultationfor a formal assessment and Autism diagnosis at an AB Spectrum Autism treatment center in Missouri, or call 314-339-7732 to learn more about their ABA therapy offerings in and around St. Louis, Missouri.