Adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests in various ways, and its signs can differ greatly from person to person. Many individuals who don’t display the more “typical” signs of ASD or who haven’t had access to proper testing may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.

If you or a loved one struggle with social interactions, communication challenges, or repetitive behaviours, an ASD assessment can offer valuable insight. It provides clarity, guidance, and support to help navigate the difficulties associated with ASD.

What is an adult ASD assessment?

An Adult ASD Assessment helps to identify whether an individual exhibits characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. Our in-depth evaluation focuses on understanding your cognitive, social, and emotional functioning.
The assessment aims to help adults understand their symptoms and how their brain functions. It will also allow us to provide tools and resources to help you manage these symptoms and reach your full potential. By understanding your strengths and difficulties, you can find validation and increased hope for the future.

It’s recommended when:

  • You struggle with social interactions or have difficulty reading social cues.
  • You experience sensory sensitivities (ie. sensitivity to lights, sounds, or textures).
  • You find comfort in routines or repetitive behaviours.
  • You have trouble communicating or expressing your emotions.
  • You feel overwhelmed by social settings or group environments.
  • You are seeking support for work, education, or relationships due to these challenges.

Adult ASD assessment process

Once you schedule your ASD assessment, the process will involve the following:

Intake

The first step in the assessment process is an intake session. At this stage, we gather information about your experiences and challenges. This includes a detailed review of your developmental and medical history and other information about how your symptoms affect daily life. This will help us understand the scope of your difficulties and which areas to explore further during the assessment.

Assessment

The assessment itself involves a combination of interviews and standardized tests that evaluate:

  • Cognitive and social functioning
  • Communication skills
  • Emotional regulation and behaviour patterns
  • Sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviours

This process helps us build a complete profile of your strengths and challenges. It will allow us to determine whether ASD is a contributing factor to your symptoms.

Treatment

Once the assessment is complete, we will provide you with an in-depth report that outlines the results and our findings. This may include a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Regardless of diagnosis, we will lay out various options for therapies, resources, and other testing that could benefit you. Our goal is to empower you by providing a clear path forward.

Frequently asked questions

Adult ASD assessment
Why is an adult ASD assessment important?
An ASD assessment can provide the clarity you need to understand why certain situations or tasks are challenging and help you access support, accommodations, and other resources. These resources will help you develop strategies to combat challenges and enhance your overall quality of life.
What does the assessment typically include?
An assessment generally includes the following. However, this process is always tailored to each person’s unique needs:
– Consultation and Intake
– Screening measures
– Extensive developmental history collection
– Direct assessment
– Scoring and reporting
– Feedback session
Do you use the ADOS-2 or ADI-R as part of your ASD assessments?
Yes. We utilize both the ADOS-2 and the ADI-R. The ADOS-2 is a robust and standardized diagnostic test for assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder and involves a series of structured and semi-structured tasks to gain understanding of an individual’s language and social development. Additionally, the ADI-R is a structured clinical interview conducted with the parents of the referred individual to cover their full developmental history.
How much does an Adult ASD Assessment cost?
An ASD assessment typically requires approximately 11 to 16 hours at a rate of $225 per hour (totalling between $2475 – $3600), however, this can vary depending on your individual needs. The psychologist will provide a complete cost breakdown in the initial consultation. Note that fees may be subject to change. Kindly inquire at in**@**************gy.com for current rates.
What should I bring to the assessment?
We will provide you with a list of documents to bring before the assessment. This may include past medical records, school reports (if available), and other relevant background information.
What happens if I’m not diagnosed with ASD?
If you are not diagnosed with ASD, we will provide valuable feedback about your challenges and what the next steps might look like for you. You may be referred for additional assessments or therapies to better understand and manage your symptoms. We aim to provide all our patients with the necessary resources to improve their lives.