Autism spectrum disorder, also known as autism or ASD, is becoming more common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1% of the world, or 75,000 people, have ASD. Even more surprising, an estimated 5.4 million (or 2.2%) adults in the US have ASD. That number may seem large, but ASD has a wide range of symptoms and severity levels.
“Autism spectrum disorder occurs in all age, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups,” says Lisa Neitzke, PhD, BCBA, a Nebraska-based medical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at UNMC/Munroe-Meyer Institute. “While not everyone is diagnosed at a young age, early detection is key to improving outcomes later in life.”
Here are five common questions (and answers) about ASDs in adults.
1. Can adults be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?
Adults can be diagnosed with ASD. Most symptoms usually present before the age of 18, but others may not fully manifest until later in life, when social demands outstrip individual capabilities.
2. What are the signs of ASD in adults?
Some adults with ASD exhibit symptoms that resemble attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling
- Trouble interpreting facial expressions, body language, or social cues
- Difficulty regulating emotions.
- Trouble holding a conversation
- Inflection that does not reflect feelings
- Difficulty maintaining the natural give and take of a conversation
- Tendency to engage in repetitive or routine behaviors.
- Only engage in a restricted range of activities.
- Strict consistency in daily routines or outbursts when changes occur
- Exhibiting strong special interests
3. How is autism diagnosed?
A multifactorial evaluation is the best tool to diagnose ASD in adults. The evaluation must include an in-person assessment as well as a comprehensive evaluation of your developmental history by a parent or caregiver who knew you during your childhood. Sometimes it can be hard to find an informant like this. If so, a spouse, partner, or close friend can help you complete the necessary assessments by reporting on her current behavior.
If you’re thinking about seeking an autism evaluation, online ASD evaluations can provide a good starting point. However, most online rating scales do not have adequate reliability and validity to provide accurate diagnoses and do not take into account your developmental history. Therefore, clinical experience is required to correctly interpret its results and make a proper diagnosis.
4. Who can diagnose ASD in adults?
If you suspect that you have an ASD, you should talk to your primary care provider. Your doctor may refer you to a behavioral health specialist, such as a licensed psychologist, who is authorized to complete psychological testing. Finding a health care provider with specific knowledge of the developmental disabilities of ASD and appropriate assessment methods for adults is important, as they are different from those for children or adolescents. (Some doctors with experience evaluating children and adolescents may not have experience evaluating adults.)
5. Is the diagnosis of autism covered by insurance?
Although ASD evaluations are increasingly recognized as medically necessary, insurance coverage often differs between providers. Check with your insurance provider to see what they will cover.
The bottom line: ASD can manifest differently and is often a lifelong condition, but early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference.
If you or your loved one is struggling, call 800.922.0000 to make an appointment with a behavioral health specialist.
