Adult Autism Diagnosis

At Kove, we use tools which are considered the “gold standard” in Autism diagnosis.

The process of an autism assessment for an adult typically involves several key steps to gather comprehensive information and make an accurate diagnosis. Firstly, an initial intake interview is conducted to understand the individual’s concerns, symptoms, and developmental history. This interview may involve questions about early childhood development, social interactions, communication patterns, and sensory sensitivities. 

Following the intake interview, the individual may undergo the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), which is a standardised assessment designed to observe and evaluate social communication, interaction, and behavior associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ADOS involves structured activities and interactions between the individual and the assessor to assess various domains of autism-related behaviours. 

In addition to the ADOS, a thorough developmental history is obtained, which may involve gathering information from the individual, their caregivers, and relevant documents such as school records or medical reports. This developmental history helps provide context and identify any patterns or behaviours indicative of ASD across the individual’s lifespan. 

Furthermore, structured measures such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) may be administered to gather additional information about the individual’s developmental history, current symptoms, and behaviour patterns. The ADI-R is a comprehensive semi-structured interview conducted with caregivers or family members, focusing on areas such as communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviours, and developmental milestones. 

Throughout the assessment process, various other standardised measures and assessments may be utilised to assess specific domains relevant to ASD, such as cognitive functioning, adaptive behaviour, sensory processing, and mental health. These measures help provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. 

Once all assessment data has been collected and analysed, the findings are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, speech-language therapists, and occupational therapists, among others. This team approach ensures that a thorough and accurate diagnosis is made, and appropriate recommendations for support and intervention are provided to the individual. 

Overall, the process of an autism assessment for an adult involves a comprehensive evaluation of various domains of functioning, utilising standardised measures, developmental history, and observation to inform diagnosis and intervention planning tailored to the individual’s needs.