Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults

Diagnostic Process

Screening should include inquiries about core ASD symptoms, including social relatedness and repetitive or unusual behaviors, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
A thorough psychiatric assessment should be conducted, including interviews with the individual and family members when possible, and review of past records and developmental history, as recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and other guidelines 1, 2
Confirmation of ASD diagnosis should be made by a professional trained in diagnosing autism using objective criteria and standardized tools, as stated by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics 3, 2

Consider genetic testing as part of the evaluation, including high-resolution chromosomal analysis, DNA testing for Fragile X syndrome, chromosomal microarray, MECP2 gene testing, and PTEN gene testing, as recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics 4, 5, 2, 3

Delaying diagnosis due to misconceptions about adult presentation of ASD, as warned by the Praxis Medical Insights guidelines, although this fact is also supported by other evidence 2