Autism Diagnoses Across Ages: From Childhood to Adulthood

Autism is a condition that doesn't discriminate by age. In fact, as our knowledge about autism continues to expand, more and more teenagers and adults are finding out that they too are autistic.

However, the diagnostic tools that are currently used are typically geared toward younger children. They are not a one-size-fits-all and the path to diagnosis can vary significantly depending on your age. So, if you're a parent seeking an evaluation for your child, know that the process might be quite different from what an adult goes through.

An evaluation for a child typically involves a psychologist, a medical provider, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), and caregiver input on behavior. Through assessments, questionnaires, and observation from this multidisciplinary team, it is determined if the child should receive a diagnosis or not.

An adolescent evaluation may be a little different. It may or may not include an SLP,  a psychiatrist is sometimes involved, depending on if there are other concerns such as anxiety, depression and ADHD, and direct input from the adolescent is also included in this evaluation. A caregiver or parent's input and observations are still vital for a teen evaluation.

How are adults evaluated for an autism diagnosis? An evaluation for an adult has some similarities with the evaluation for children and teens. Standardized testing, direct observation and an evaluation from a psychiatrist are all important aspects of an adult evaluation. However, in addition to these, an important part of an autism evaluation for an adult is obtaining information about the early development years. So including a parent or caregiver, or even sibling from the adult's childhood is extremely helpful. In addition, spouses and friends can give current observations, and input from the adult themselves is extremely valuable for an adult evaluation.

Dr. Leslie Speer, who has been conducting autism evaluations on individuals of all ages for almost 20 years says that seeking evaluations for children or adults involves various goals and needs. She suggests that providers and parents understand and address these needs, emphasizing that evaluations aim to create a personalized plan and recommendations, not just diagnose. This process helps individuals and families understand learning styles, identify necessary resources, and develop a road map for their journey toward overall well-being.

Dr. Leslie Speer expands on this information in an article she wrote for Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine. Autism doesn't discriminate by age, and the diagnostic process varies significantly depending on whether it's a child, teenager, or adult being evaluated. Regardless of age, seeking an autism evaluation is about understanding individual needs, developing personalized plans, and charting a course toward well-being. Dr. Leslie Speer's article in Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine provides further insight into this important journey.

Access Dr. Speer's article in our article directory by clicking here.