Psychological testing for autism in adults involves a comprehensive assessment that goes well beyond just a yes or no about whether someone has autism. Adult autism testing should inform you about your unique symptoms and their opportunities and challenges. We also offer neuropsychological testing for autism in adults, which is a step up from regular psych testing (though not always necessary).
Psychological testing for autism in adults can be helpful if you are looking for specific interventions and accommodations at work or school. It can also be helpful if you seek more general ideas to manage the diagnosis and reach your potential. We’d be happy to talk to you about what adult autism testing might do for you, but first, here is an overview and guide.
What is Mild Autism in Adults
“Mild autism” isn’t an official clinical term but might refer to individuals who have characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but with fewer impairments or milder symptoms compared to others on the spectrum. In adults, mild autism might manifest in various ways:
- Social Challenges: Adults with mild autism might struggle with social interactions. They might have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, or engaging in reciprocal conversations.
- Routine and Repetitive Behaviors: Individuals might have specific routines or rituals and display repetitive behaviors or intense interests.
- Communication Differences: While language skills might be well-developed, there could still be challenges in understanding subtleties in language, tone, or non-verbal communication.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Some individuals might have sensory sensitivities, such as being sensitive to loud noises, certain textures, or bright lights, though these sensitivities might not significantly interfere with daily functioning.
It’s important to note that even though the term “mild autism” might be used colloquially, the spectrum nature of ASD means that individuals with milder presentations still have unique strengths, challenges, and needs. Understanding and accommodating these differences while tapping into strengths can be crucial in providing appropriate support and interventions for adults with mild autism. Psychological testing for autism in adults is a great step.
Psychological Testing for Autism in Adults Process
The general process involved with psychological testing for autism in adults includes: 
Psychological Testing for Autism in Adults: Diagnostic Interview
We start by conducting structured interviews to gather information about your developmental history, social behaviors, communication skills, and any current challenges you are facing. One goal of the diagnostic interview is to make sure we agree that ASD is a possibility. Since autism can be confused with other challenges, we want to be sure that we are choosing the correct path forward with adult autism testing.
Behavioral Observations
During the interview process, we observe your reactions and choices to assess the nature of your social interactions and communication patterns. We might look for repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities. We do this openly, sometimes asking you what you thought or felt when you said or did something during the interview.
Adult Autism Testing Standardized Questionnaires
After the first two steps, we move on to self-report measures and assessments completed by you and possible family members or caregivers (with your permission) to gather information about your behavior and experiences. This step helps us choose the exact tests we will use in the next two steps. Autism is a diagnosis where people have similarities, yet each person is quite unique, so we want to be sure to go well beyond a yes or no about the diagnosis in our report.
Cognitive Testing
As part of adult autism testing, we sometimes give assessments to evaluate Intelligence Quotient (IQ), including intelligence, executive functioning, and other cognitive skills that might show unique patterns in individuals with ASD. We can also review any past IQ testing you’ve had, even as a child. Cognitive testing, along with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can widen the suggestions we can give.
Adult Autism Testing Assessments
The psychological tests we use for the psychological testing for autism in adults are specifically designed to evaluate autism symptoms, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). We go over these tests in more detail below.
The process for psychological testing for autism in adults may take several sessions, and the specific tests used can vary based on our client’s symptoms and needs. A thorough evaluation helps understand your strengths, challenges, and appropriate support strategies. Seeking a diagnosis and getting details through psychological testing for autism in adults can be a positive step toward better understanding oneself and accessing appropriate support and resources.
Psychological Testing for Autism in Adults: The Tests
While no single adult autism disorder instrument is enough on its own, test several assessments and evaluations can help in the diagnostic process. We follow the abovementioned process, including some of the following tests in step 5.
- autism spectrum quotient (AQ): This self-administered questionnaire assesses traits associated with ASD. It includes questions about social skills, communication, attention to detail, and preferences for routine. We can provide a link to this test even if you do not choose our services (or any services). It will not lead you to as many specific suggestions and ideas as we can provide with full testing, but it will give you an idea of whether you have the diagnosis.
- RAADS-R Test (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised): Another self-report questionnaire, the RAADS-R helps in identifying traits related to mild ASD in adults. It covers areas like social relationships, sensory sensitivity, and language. One side benefit of this test, in particular, is that you’ll feel understood when you realize that you share some of the same challenges as many others.
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition): We conduct this semi-structured assessment that involves direct observation and interaction to evaluate social communication, behavior, and play in individuals suspected of having ASD. This test is best given in person.
- ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised): Often used in conjunction with the ADOS-2, this is a comprehensive interview conducted with a caregiver or family member to gather information about an individual’s developmental history and current behaviors. This way, we get a picture of your symptoms that is deeper and more detailed.
- CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale): While originally designed for children, the CARS can also be used with adults to assess autism-related behaviors. It can also be helpful for us to understand what you were like as a child, even if you were never diagnosed.
- Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS): This questionnaire assesses social behaviors, including social awareness, cognition, communication, and motivation, as well as autistic mannerisms.
These assessments, clinical observations, and interviews provide a thorough evaluation process.
Neuropsychological testing for Autism in Adults
Neuropsychological testing for autism in adults is a step up from regular psych testing, but it is not always needed. This type of assessment involves a comprehensive assessment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning to evaluate various aspects of neurodevelopmental functioning associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here are some specific benefits and components of neuropsychological testing for autism in adults:
Neuropsychological testing for autism in adults and Cognitive Profiles
Neuropsychological testing for autism in adults can identify specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses associated with autism in adults. This includes assessing attention, memory, executive functioning, language skills, and social cognition. Understanding your cognitive profile can help tailor interventions and support strategies to address areas of difficulty and leverage strengths.
Neuropsychological testing for autism in adults and Adaptive Functioning
Neuropsychological testing for autism in adults often includes measures of adaptive functioning, which evaluate your ability to effectively manage daily tasks and responsibilities across various domains, such as communication, socialization, and independent living skills. This assessment can inform intervention planning and support services to promote functional independence and quality of life.
Characterization of Social and Emotional Functioning
Adults with autism may experience social interaction, emotional regulation, and empathy challenges. Neuropsychological testing for autism in adults can include measures designed to assess social cognition, emotion recognition, theory of mind, and empathy, providing valuable insights into your social and emotional functioning. This information can guide therapeutic interventions to improve social skills and emotional well-being.
Detection of Co-occurring Conditions
Many adults with autism have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or intellectual disability, which can impact their overall functioning and treatment needs. Neuropsychological testing for autism in adults can help identify and differentiate between autism and other comorbid conditions, leading to more accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention planning.
Neuropsychological Testing for Autism in Adults and Sensory Processing
Sensory processing difficulties are common among individuals with autism and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Neuropsychological assessments may include measures to evaluate sensory processing patterns, including hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, and sensory-seeking behaviors. Understanding your sensory profile can inform environmental modifications and sensory integration strategies to improve comfort and functioning.
Overall, neuropsychological testing for autism in adults offers a comprehensive and multidimensional approach to assessing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
Psychological Testing for Autism in Adults: Our Work
We provide psychological testing for autism in adults as part of our services. Many seek general advice because they feel they were never diagnosed or possibly misdiagnosed. Others come to us for specific interventions or accommodations at work or school. In all cases, we can provide a list of unique suggestions and advice to help them realize their potential through enhancing their strengths, overcoming barriers, and understanding themselves better. Following adult autism testing, we provide a detailed psychological report outlining assessment findings, diagnostic impressions, and specific recommendations for intervention, accommodations, and support services.
Scheduling Psychological Testing for Autism in Adults
Adult autism testing can be a part of a larger battery of tests or a standalone assessment. It can be done as part of certain Assessment Specialties and can often be given virtually.
Please contact us anytime to discuss how adult autism testing might benefit you or if you have any general questions about psychological testing for autism in adults.
