The same Autism Speaks article mentions that adults typically seek out a first diagnosis because they want to understand themselves, and they are having difficulty with something and can’t quite figure out why. Often, they feel like people are giving them feedback that they’re not doing things right when they think they are. They often feel that people don’t understand them and sometimes have a history of being bullied, teased, or misunderstood. They may have a demanding job where they’re exhausted from the social demands of the job, or they may have children and struggle to deal with the unpredictability of meeting somebody else’s needs.

If you feel that any or all of the above applies to you and if your ability to move through the world is significantly impacted by these or similar symptoms, this type of evaluation may be right for you.

So where does one go from self-identifying possible symptoms to seeking an assessment where a qualified professional determines if these differences are due to ASD, some other cause, or a combination of causes? A primary care physician or therapist often can and will refer a current patient to a qualified healthcare professional specializing in this type of assessment. Additionally, a simple Google search for ASD Assessment or Psychological Testing will offer options in your area. 

While a complete neuropsychological evaluation is not required to diagnose ASD, a medical diagnosis is necessary to apply for any disability benefits based on an autism diagnosis. These comprehensive evaluations, offered in my practice and elsewhere, also help rule out other potential contributors or explanations for related challenges. 

In the video found at https://adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/getting-an-autism-diagnosis-as-an-adult/ -  Dr. Chris McDougle, Director of the Lurie Center for Autism, discusses the process of seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult. 

Some other important thoughts about seeking ASD assessment:  

While many websites offer ASD self-rating scales, most questionnaires are not standardized or scientifically validated. They should not be used to self-diagnose or to diagnose others with ASD. Instead, they can be a great way to begin investigating the possibility of ASD and whether pursuing a valid diagnosis via assessment from a qualified, licensed professional might be beneficial.

Getting an assessment of this type can be stressful, as it involves discussing personal history, past and present strengths and struggles, and tasks that assess your set of strengths and weaknesses (including those associated with cognitive and executive function). However, results will ideally culminate in a better understanding of yourself or your child and provide the tools to help manage symptoms and navigate daily tasks and relationships in a more genuine, productive, and fulfilling way.