Adult Autism Diagnostic Process (Step-by-Step) ✏️ Do 👉THIS 👈 Before You Go
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2021
- Seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult can be confusing and intimidating. In this video I'll walk you step-by-step through what the diagnostic process can look like including tests, sample questions, timelines, and the #1 best thing I can recommend you do pre-evaluation to ensure you get the diagnosis you're looking for.
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I'm Tay, a mom of two who received an autism diagnosis at the age of 31. At the beginning of my journey it was hard to find others who were in a similar situation, so I started this channel to share resources, information and products that have been helpful along the way. I am not sponsored, so everything I share is something I find genuinely useful!
I’m also not a doctor, so please talk with your provider before incorporating any suggestions I make in my videos. This video is based on my own personal experience and not to be taken as medical advice.
Help me continue creating free content by subscribing to my channel! It's free and you'll get updated any time I post a new video. And as females are highly under-diagnosed, please share with any others you feel could benefit from this information.
The diagnostic process can look different for everyone, but the main parts of my experience were:
Extensive History Background Forms (1:45)
Pre-Evaluation Questionnaires (3:03)
Pre-Evaluation Questionnaires for Relatives (6:17)
In-Person Interview (6:58)
In-Person Testing (8:52)
Self-Evaluation Write-Up (11:05) THE MOST IMPORTANT PART
TESTS/QUESTIONNAIRES FOR SELF
(*Even though you can take some of these tests online, it’s extremely important to have the results measured and evaluated by a professional.)
Adult Autism Quotient: psychology-tools.com/test/aut...
Beck Anxiety Inventory: res.cloudinary.com/dpmykpsih/...
(Purchase here: www.pearsonassessments.com/st...)
Beck’s Depression Inventory II: www.kdheks.gov/c-f/integratio...
(Purchase here: www.pearsonassessments.com/st...)
Personality Assessment Inventory: (Purchase here www.parinc.com/Products/Pkey/287)
Social Responsiveness Scale II: (Purchase here: www.wpspublish.com/srs-2-soci...)
QUESTIONNAIRES FOR RELATIVE
Personality Assessment Screener: (Purchase here: www.parinc.com/products/pkey/313)
Social Responsiveness Scale II Relative: (Purchase here: www.wpspublish.com/srs-2-soci...)
RESOURCES
Laura Zdan, Not Neurotypical Podcast: www.laurazdan.com/podcast
Dr. Laura Sanders, Northern Colorado Assessment: nocoassessmentcenter.com/abou...
Final quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet: www.amazon.com/Letters-Young-...
ADDITIONAL VIDEOS
How to Find a Therapist/Diagnosing Psychologist: • Therapy for Autistic A...
Autism Diagnosis at 31: • How did I not know I w...
Should I Seek an Autism Diagnosis?: • Professional vs. Self ...
Music by Milky Wayvers
freetousemusic.fanlink.to/mil...
#autism #autistic #mentalhealth #mentalhealthdx #diagnosis #autisticfemale
Thank you for saying Keep being weird. My mother said "Quit being weird!" my whole life. Its nice to know that I'm not alone.
BEING WEIRD IS THE ONLY WAY TO BE
You are not alone Michelle. 🙏🏼✨🌌💓
Weird is a good thing! It's called being yourself,or I'd like to think so!
"I like being weird. Weird's all I got. That and my sweet style" - Maurice Moss
@@MomontheSpectrum Hello there. I live in Texas (DFW), and I’ve been having a very hard time finding a clinic that would do an autism evaluation for me (one that my insurance can cover, tho). Can you recommend a clinic or a doctor for me? Thank you so much!
I've been suspecting ASD for a while now, and writing down things that fit really helped. As I learned more about Autism the list got longer and longer and longer. When I met my doctor yesterday it was 18 pages. It really helped out since when he asked "What made you suspect this?" and I couldn't put it into words at all.
This is great. I have had a similar experience and have heard many others here who were really helped by writing down these things beforehand. Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Sam!
I literally just emailed my evaluator a 20+ page document of my notes...
My brain is overwhelmed just thinking of doing all those tests at once. Having fibromyalgia as well, my heat tolerance has gone out the window so summer Texas heat would’ve done me in. I love that you spoke of wanting to do well on the IQ test but not wanting that to skew your autism test. I can relate. I’ve taken the cognitive function test several times because I have terrible concentration and brain fog issues and always pass with flying colors because I can’t help but try my hardest, even if I need to plug my ears to avoid distractions or need to sit in my car for an hour afterwards to recover before I drive. So the result looks fantastic but doesn’t relate to reality for me at all.
How was the structure of the letter? Was it just bulletin points on all the things you deal/struggle with or noticed are different about you from others?
@@MomontheSpectrum I’m in the middle of drafting up a paper that highlights my autistic traits for my wife and provider so it’s interesting you suggested writing a letter. It confirms that I was on the right track. However I had no idea it would take as much effort as it’s taking me and how exhausting it makes me. I too would like to know how you structured your letter because idk how in depth I should go on certain things. I essentially just wanted the person assessing me to have a reference sheet they could use during testing and could ask me to elaborate in person if needed.
every time i take one of the tests, i get a high probability but i keep gaslighting myself and telling myself that i'm faking it bc of my family and how they've always said that i fake everything (i don't)
Ditto!! Sorry, I don't have anymore words.
67 year old woman, finally seeing my past in a light that makes sense. Thank you for sharing your experience. All the best to you.
I was diagnosed with “inattentive ADD, a Specific Learning Disability, “anxiety and depression around times of transition”, and sensory processing disorder in 1984. Autism was not even on the table for me. I have 6 kids, 4 of whom exhibit varying degrees of autistic traits, and in researching for them I have seen that I am very likely autistic. I am also realizing the extent to which certain behaviours were trained in (or out) of me, and the energy it takes to comply with that. It is no wonder people are surprised that I would consider the diagnosis for myself, but if they could see what is happening in my brain… the self talk through the steps of interaction, the self evaluation after - trying to determine if I “did it right”… I come across as friendly and fairly outgoing, but a LOT of it is intentional acting - I just didn’t realize I was the ‘only’ person doing it - I thought EVERYONE was acting social, or just not good at it - It has also put into perspective what I ask of my kids. Unfortunately I am such a good actor, and a good acting coach, that I and my kids have a hard time getting the referral I need for diagnosis (in ON Canada)
i was considered "gifted" in elem school. i avoided the GATE program, but ..... i forgot what I was going to say.
This is mostly very helpful, but I'm not sure how I feel about going with your "knee-jerk reaction" on the self-assessments. At least for me personally, I've been masking for so long that my initial response would most likely reflect how I've been conditioned to answer vs how I would answer if I weren't masking. The AQ test in particular I've taken a handful of times, and the days I really thought about my answers were when I believed I got the more accurate results. This has been the case for me for a variety of mental health self-assessments though, as I'm very disconnected from who I "truly am" due to trauma and other reasons, so definitely take what I'm saying with a grain of salt lol. Either way, thank you so much for this incredibly informative video!
Excellent point! I'm so glad that someone else feels disconnected from who they really are.
@@astralarchaeology5840 It definitely sucks a lot of the time, but it is good to know that you're not alone ❤️
@@xoxofaaab I completely agree
I tend to give different answers each time because I can't figure out if I'm answering honestly
@@Franimus I hear ya. I was officially diagnosed a couple months ago and I *still* feel like I didn't answer the questions honestly. Imposter syndrome is real.
In my experience as an autistic adult seeking a formal diagnosis in the United States, there are two options.
1) Pay thousands out of pocket to a provider who can’t be bothered to accept insurance.
2) If you’re lucky enough to have a provider in your area who accepts insurance, sign up on their waiting list, and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be called in in a year or two. If you’re not that lucky, pull out your wallet or accept you’ll be self-diagnosed for life.
Diagnosis is healthcare and healthcare is a human right. The above shouldn’t be our only options.
Or find one who will accept your insurance and see you through Telahelp. That's what I'm working on setting up right now.
I just set up my appointment and i have to wait 11 months! They did give me the option of seeing their intern which i would only have to wait 3 months but it would be out of pocket around $3000. So when she told me my insurance would pay 100% minus copays i was like, ill wait the 11 months. LoL The only problem i have with this is the whole 11 months, that is all that Ill think about. Ill be obsessed with youtube videos and reading 🥴
Healthcare is not a human right.
The thought that maybe because we are a self-pay household is the reason I received a quick appointment set up, is now confirmed.
Healthcare isn't a human right, but it certainly should be a universal privilege in countries who 100% can afford to do something about it. A right is inherent and exists regardless of what government/authority is currently in power at any given time. Healthcare should be way more accessible, but it can't be classified as a right because it requires work/resources to do. Rights are more of a conceptual thing, Healthcare is a real world system/process
I was trying to be ok with a thoroughly researched self diagnosis and was concerned about how ila diagnosis would effect my future insurance situations and situations like adoption or fostering. But every day i had to convince myself over again that i was autistic. My self doubt was a daily mountain to climb. So i decided yesterday to go ahead and get formally diagnosed. I don't need that extra mountain every day when i already have so many. Now im scared to death they will say im not autistic. Which i will not believe, but at the same time validate my self doubt and self gaslighting... along with being gaslit by others my entire life. So im scared. But im going to do it. I love answering wurst questions about myself so although i know it will be grueling i think i will enjoy it and having someone to hear me.
Sounds like you’re taking an important step for yourself! I support you!
Hey there. Just checking up on you. Any updates that you’re comfortable sharing? Hopefully you got the answers you needed!
The dr scared me away. He was old arrogant and complacent. He misinterpreted most of what i told him
in a ridiculous way too.
He acknowledged all of my au traits, and noticed some i didn't mention... but he was trying to diagnose me with scarier things that weren't accurate. So i got out of dodge. Im trying to let that me enough and trust myself. It made it blatantly obvious that no one can know me as well as i know myself. Getting a diagnosis is just a matter of convincing someone else it seems
@@Autisticheather Aww I hate to hear that :( I really hope you don't let that discourage you. Being at the beginning stages of self discovery myself... reading these comments like this prepares me for potential multiple people I'll have to go to in order to get the answers I need. It won't stop me though, and I hope it doesn't stop you either. :)
@Fezzie turns out the psychiatrist was an arrogant jerk and misinterpreted everything i said. In a way that made me think he wasn't even listening. He acknowledged my autism traits but also thought i was suicidal with hallucinations!!! Wtf??? I got out of dodge fast. So im back to just being ok b with self diagnosis. When it gets hard Anna i have imposter syndrome, i try to focus only on the traits and symptoms and how hard my life has been and how i was way behind in milestones. Instead of focusing on the label. Because those are facts that cant be denied or gas lighted.
That works!
I went into autism research mode when my case manager (who used to do Autism assessments) said she thought that I have autism. Since it was Covid I had lots of free time and have watched over 100 autism videos.
I am worried if I get an assessment that they will attribute it to numerous psychiatric diagnoses instead. In 30 years I have been diagnosed with 15 different disorders (not all at once). I know that I have some psychiatric problems but I am afraid my autism traits will be covered up by my psychiatric symptoms.
I found this sooo helpful, especially with having the closed captions. Thanks for sharing your journey x
Yes! I noticed the well-written captions, too.
The closed captions helped me a lot, too. I take information in better if I can watch someone speaking, hear them speaking, and read the captions all at the same time.
@@anyascelticcreations yes! Me too.
@@anyascelticcreationsyes, I'm also deaf so taylor has excellent mouth to read.ty
I struggle with the questionnaires. I was told years ago by the Kelberman Center in NY State that I am definitively not autistic, due to my questionnaire answers, and a short interview where she said it was clearly just OCD (I was diagnosed years beforehand with OCD). I don't remember the questions, but a lot of them were geared toward ruling out OCD, but there may have been similar ones to the test you showed. One example in the photo in your video is "I usually notice car number plates or similar strings of information." In the past, I would fixate on the car number plates part, and possibly say no because I don't notice car number plates often. But I do notice and fixate on other types of visual information because they interest me, so the answer should be yes for me. I believe the tests need to be made differently, as there is a tendency for autistic people to hyperfixate on an example given, instead of thinking about other examples and the overall question being asked. So instead, it should say "I frequently notice strings of information," instead of giving any specific example that could lead to a different answer. I also feel like I remember many of the questions being about very basic things, like eye contact, instead of really delving into topics like being sensitive to rejection, getting upset when plans change, getting overwhelmed by hot temperatures, etcetera. A lot of them feel like they were written by someone who just goes "by the book" based on their schooling, rather than learning from actual autistic peoples' experiences and applying that and incorporating it into treatment.
Going to have my diagnostic appointment in a week and just watched your video a couple of hours ago and now had to come back to comment. You said you wrote 21 pages about yourself and your experiences before going to yours. I heard that, thought to myself "oh god, I could never get myself to write that much about me." 2 hours later and 10 pages in I'm like "I'm not even done talking about my time in school, wtf"
Thank you for this video. It continues to be a great help to people like me :) You are awesome!
It would have been great to be diagnosed when I was young, but that never happened. I am 67 and thought I would be upset by learning now, but not so much. It answers a lot of questions about why I was several steps different from everyone else. Autism is not a death sentence, but instead, it is a way to connect with a lot more people. It just answers so many questions.
Absolutely!
It's interesting how different the process is for children vs. adults. My son saw a children's behavioral psychologist at age 2 and they used the ADOS-2 and interviewed me and my husband to evaluate him. With me, I saw a psychologist and had about 6 one hour sessions. I did the AQ test, filled out some questions and they interviewed me and my mom about my childhood. It was very draining and hard to wait each week, but I finally got my diagnosis at 30! Thanks for sharing your story, really enjoy your channel and your positive attitude!
Thanks for sharing this part of your experience! Yes it's interesting how different the processes are. I think we have a long way to go to developing more diagnostic consistency, but I think we are heading in the right direction.
I have found your videos so helpful as I have just been diagnosed at 49 with ASD. I have laughed, cried, and appreciate all you have put into your channel. I feel as you are speaking to me. I feel seen and heard. I am still trying to find my voice as friends and family are not in agreement with the diagnosis. It's very difficult after all of the work you have put into yourself, to be dismissed by those who you always thought to be champions for you. I appreciate all you are doing for the ASD community. Thank you. Namaste 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I originally wrote 24 pages of information about myself to show my psychologist, I narrowed it and organized it to 15 pages, I brought my notebook with me, but the only time I opened the book was to hand her my report cards. I regret forgetting to show her but she said I did a great job of helping her understand by just talking
well that's good. Hopefully writing out all of that information was helpful to you in other ways and added some layers of self reflection! Thanks for your comment
Made the decision today to move forward with the testing and diagnosis process. Without it I’m going to perseverate, and I need to move towards a better way of functioning.
This sounds like a really important and meaningful step for you! Way to go! Please let me know if I can help answer any questions about the process or share additional resources. You've got this!
I'm not sure if I should get diagnosed. There's already some animosity toward the medical industry and my concern is that nothing would really change in my life whether I have an official diagnosis. People are committed to misunderstanding me, so I generally just avoid forming close relationships or friendships these days.
There's also the fear and hesitancy toward being vulnerable; doing this requires courage. I'm indifferent toward just about everything 🤷♀️
Thanks for this video. I looked up the Aspie quiz and jumped right into it. I didn't even bother studying for it and got a 98. That's not a normal grand for me even after studying so the next time I take it I'll do some studying beforehand and maybe get a hundred. I'm joking by the way. About six to nine months ago I decided to watch another video about checking to see if I was autistic. I started out thinking no way but got twenty two out of twenty five and had a great shock. I had a learning disability as a kid but when I ask what's wrong they told me they didn't know. At fifty six years old I got a clue. Thanks to you I took the Aspie quiz which finally confirmed what I was thinking after 30 or so videos. It been a very hard life with the last fifteen dealing with homelessness. Thanks to you and your videos I have answers and can move on to finding a therapist. Thanks
An older, male psychiatrist was supposed to assess me recently for adhd and ASD. He did none of this. Pretty sure he just gave me a general mental health assessment. I asked him about my adhd and ASD symptoms and he told me it was just my anxiety causing these symptoms. He totally gaslighted me. Now looking for a female psych in BC, Canada that specializes in adhd and ASD.
You may want to check out my Big Autistic Resource Guide for options www.momonthespectrum.life/the-big-autistic-resource-guide
Not sure of BC Canada off the top of my head but there are a lot of recommendations in the guide from others who have been through the process in other locations. Also check out ndtherapists.com
@@MomontheSpectrum thank you!!
I came to the realization that i am most likely autistic 2 years ago when i was 22 years old. I am finally on the path to official diagnosis as i was just in contact with a phycologist today and submitted my patient forms! I live in Tennessee and it’s been hard finding a phycologist who assesses adults who suspect they are autistic. When i realized i was probably autistic, i went into hyperfixation mode and had to know EVERYTHING, per usual. It so eloquently explained my life in a way i never thought was possible. I always knew my brain was different somehow, but never quite found the right explanation. Because i did well in school and masked well enough, i passed as NT for the majority of my life. After my realization, i gave myself permission to unmask a little and make accommodations for myself. It has been a wonderful journey to getting to know who i truly am. I’m extremely nervous for the assessment, even though it is virtual because I’m afraid the phycologist won’t believe me. I’ve accumulated a list of reasons i fit the DSM-5 in my head and I’ve begun to write them down. I just hope they don’t have outdated beliefs on AFAB individuals who have been undiagnosed for the majority of their lives.
@@taiweannoona1204 i was diagnosed ASD level 1 on May 4 😊
@@taiweannoona1204 i didn’t pay the extra to have a full report written up because i don’t have a job or school that would require it for accommodations. I mostly pursued a diagnosis for my own self validation. After my phycologist agreed without a doubt that I am autistic, I felt so validated and accomplished for finally getting the diagnosis I had been working towards for so long. Now I feel much more comfortable asking for accommodations when I need them and making accommodations for myself in my daily life. My family has always been very understanding but more so now that I’m officially diagnosed. I feel less like an impostor lol
I have always felt sub-human. Really happy to hear about your experience, and I'm hoping to find a diagnosis soon.
I know I'm watching this and commenting a couple years after its original release, but I want to echo the importance of writing your own narrative about how your autism has manifested throughout your life, in YOUR words. When I was getting my ADHD diagnosis, I made a whole bunch of voice memos as memories flooded back to me and I started getting new insights into my behaviors just by thinking about it through the day. I transcribed all the voice memos (wasn't tedious for me since I'm a transcriptionist by trade) into a 12-page document. In addition, I created an Excel matrix that I broke out by category (impulsivity, executive dysfunction, fidgeting, etc.), and noted how it manifests in me now, how it did in the past, when I first noticed it and how it has impacted my life over time. I think so much of assessing involves identifying traits, but this narrative gets to the heart of the other part of the DSM we sometimes don't talk about: that these traits must be impairing/affect quality of life significantly.
Soon after my ADHD diagnosis I got the feeling that wasn't the whole story, so now I'm doing the process again in a similar way for when I go for an autism diagnosis.
I worry that I’m just reaching for a diagnosis but It would explain a lot I grew up poor and in survival mode and trying to fit in and with all of those things combined one wouldn’t think of if they have a mental disorder or even mental illnesses.
Best video on the topic so far ❤
My evaluation is scheduled for June. Thank you for this information ☀️
My testing comes up in July. And it is with the same doctor!!! I'm nervous as can be now. I've always had problems with social interactions, always had narrow interests that make me boring. Always had problems with life management/executive dysfunction. Everyone other than my brother, whose own autism is recognized and acknowledged, thinks I'm just a lazy, worthless, attention-seeker. My brother, bless him, is of genius level intelligence. Yet he's the only one optimistic enough not to see me for the total piece of shit everyone else thinks I am. And he believes I might be on the spectrum. Go figure. When you said I have to advocate for myself, I'm like, should I even bother? ADVOCATE FOR MYSELF???? I CANNOT DO THAT. Every--and I do mean EVERY--time I've tried, I've been ignored, denied, and never taken seriously. The words do not come to me under pressure. Not spoken, and certainly not written. I've NEVER been able to put pen to paper with my thoughts on command. So is there any doctor that might be able to cut through the garbage and see that there are real issues? Can Dr. Sanders be trusted to take me seriously??? Any answer would be appreciated, though I, at this point, must assume everyone, even in the autistic community, will probably see me as nearly everyone else in my life has. I don't belong anywhere. I am worthless. I want to die.
This is everything, thank you so much for sharing this.
I'm glad I found you. In the last six to nine months I finally got a clue to what's wrong.
I have my ASD assessment next week! I really appreciate you and your channel. I relate so much to your videos.
This was so helpful. I stumbled onto your videos (thanks TH-cam) in search of tips for my daughter, whom I’ve always suspected to be autistic…what I was shocked to discover, was that I fit all the criteria. I took the two tests you linked, which both said Autistic and I’ve just been processing for a few weeks. The diagnosis process sounds horrible, though much less so since you detailed it. I haven’t decided if I’m going to seek a diagnosis. I don’t know that it would matter to me one way or another. I’ve seen my cousin jump through so many hoops with her son because he masks so well…
Thanks for your comment and welcome to the channel! Yes I know many (myself included) started pursuing a diagnosis for their self after researching it for their kiddos.
I was diagnosed last year, for the last 5 years or so I wondered on and off if I was autistic but didn't actually look into it so went off the stereotypes of what sensory issues are and what causes meltdowns (did have one autistic friend on facebook and would relate to 90%+ of what she posted when it was autism content). When all the controversy over Sia's movie happened I was watching every review that I could find and then started following some of the channels. I was finding so much of what they said relatable and some of them said the different online tests etc, when I did the AQ test and got a high result that for me was conformation that I wasn't imagining it. Then was the process to find someone and I didn't end up showing them all the traits that I had (one of the channels showed a list of traits for people AFAB) but did remember enough of them that I could say the different ways that I was different to everyone else. End result ASD level 1. Still working out who I am and have discovered that I have more sensory issues than I realised as I was doing things because that is the way that they are done and when given a different option am wow I like that a lot more. Really easy example is that I now use bubble gum flavoured toothpaste and suddenly I am having a lot less trouble remembering to brush my teeth.
Thanks for having your keeping the focal point from coming in and out. Its easier to watch.
I can personally relate to your wonderful experience with the insightful doctor and your assessment to your diagnosis. I remember spending roughly 5 1/2 hours with an awesome Doctor, PhD, and did over 3 hours of numerous tests and assignments. I then personally talked to this wonderful doctor for a couple of hours, , he only sees and assesses people on the spectrum, and once I told him I need order, things have to be symmetrical, he said "you were born with Asperger's and OCD." I had read some literature about the spectrum as I gad a physician who wrote down Asperger's on a piece of paper when I explained my social discomfort in large gatherings. Needless to say my diagnosis was cathartic and I told the wonderful doctor who assessed me that the "dots connected!" I now live with a much greater piece of mind since then.
Omg! I start part 1 of 3 of my assessment tomorrow and this was so cathartic! I feel less guilty now about my 13 pages self report and also was so moved to hear my favorite quote at the end. ❤
I've been taking notes on myself for 3 years about how I relate to those who are diagnosed Autistic and FINALLY tomorrow my evaluation begins (and I have shared the 9 page notes with the Psychologist). What good timing that this specific video showed up on my feed. Thank you for the info
You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment.
Thank you Tay! I requested a referral for diagnosis today and it was only the preparation I'd done based on this video which got me through it.
Reading these comments, I feel so lucky to have a job with an on-site psychologist/therapist where the cost can be reimbursed through HR. I start my assessment next week and I’m afraid I will and afraid I won’t get the diagnosis… I want to trust this therapist can figure it out, even if she doesn’t specialize in adult autism. Thanks Tay for outlining these self-inventory tests that I can prepare now while I wait for a diagnosis.
I’m currently in the process of getting an evaluation. I havnt met with my therapist yet, but I will in a month. What you said about writing the reasons why you think you are autistic is helpful and I think I will do that. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I just recently found out that I'm autistic at 31 years old. Thank you for making this video. I didn't know about the Autism Spectrum Quotient test and just took it while I listened to your video and scored a 40/50. I will be moving forward with trying to get an official diagnosis. It means a lot to me to finally have answers for why I have always felt different and misunderstood by those around me. Now for the hard part. Finding how to financially back getting this diagnosis since I live in Phoenix Arizona and just simply paying bills has been a struggle with the increases in living expenses. But I'll make it work. Keep up the great content and you've gained a new sub with me. 😁
I’m preparing for my assessment and omg thank you so much for your very thorough walk through. I keep rewinding because I’m taking notes. There are not that many of these specific walkthrough videos and I love this one. Thank you! Keep making videos. I also would like to know what supports , programs, accommodations, etc you have had access to since diagnosis!!
I will be taking the austism spectrum test this wednesday with my psychiatrist. Thank you for this video. I have taken many online free tests like that one you shared with 50 questions and all of them always give the same results. I am taking the test because I was going through a process of treating drug addiction and many things came out in regards to my personality and things I've known about myself through the years. Also, I was diagnosed ADHD with chronic depression in 2014. Due to the aforementioned, it is time to take this step in order to be clear if I am in the autism spectrum and most of the specialists I have talked to about this issue strongly agree with it.
Thank you for all this advice! Researching definitely helped me voice my thoughts more clearly, since I can struggle with that. I just had my evaluation and I felt soo overwhelmed by everything despite all the extra prep I did, I must’ve looked so anxious and restless. Who would’ve thought a few puzzles, math problems and memory exercises would stress me so much. I’m pretty sure I had a shutdown not too long after I left. Now I just have to wait and hope that I didn’t mess it up 😓
Your videos somehow popped into my feed after I got an OCD diagnosis. Not the same thing, but I’ve noticed that so much of what you experience, I experience too but the underlying causes are so different. Psychology is just so fascinating how different conditions can really appear the same to someone on the outside looking in.
I feel the same way! Totally depends on the perspective a lot of times
I’m so glad you talked about the cognitive tests! I just went through that yesterday, 5 hours of it. I also found it stressful, wanted to come off as smart, and also worried it would somehow interfere with a diagnosis. So thank you, this put my mind at ease! Still not sure why they do the cognitive tests, maybe to rule out/test for learning/intellectual disability?
Also that part where you have to make up a story using objects absolutely shattered my brain, she mercifully allowed me to give up after 10 minutes and a little bit of anxious crying. 😅
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Yesterday, I took some online tests on Embrace Autism (the AQ, RAADS-R, and CAT-Q) and scored in the autism range. 🤯 For years I've identified as a highly-sensitive person, but I would have never in a million years considered autism. Just going through the test questions was eye-opening. And as I've been looking up more autism resources, it is causing me to reevaluate what I thought were just my idiosyncrasies (ones I've been used to beating myself up for). I am considering if I should get a professional diagnosis, and this video has given me much food for thought. At least I can know what to expect if I go down that route.
Thanks for sharing this video. I got now the same problems that you had before your ASD diagnosis, I'm trying to get evaluated for ASD (is going to be tricky because my insurance doesn't cover it) but I'm going to make the sacrifice cause I know something is off all my life and is getting worse with my partner not able to fully understand me better and have kids on the spectrum too. Getting an actual diagnosis on paper will help my partner understand better, my family members and the few friends that have actually accepted me for who I am.
Thank you for the information and encouragement. I will start an evaluation in a couple of weeks and it's helpful to know what to expect.
you're welcome! And you've got this.
When I approached my psychiatrist about this a few years ago, he said he'd refer me if I wanted, but that a diagnosis wouldn't really affect my life that much. It was also 2020!
This is a very helpful video! It really explains what it takes to get a diagnosis. It's just too much. I can tell that I ought to qualify, but going through all of that is just too much. I'm not sure that I could do all of that. Thanks for doing this video.
In the middle of my diagnosis process now. Fingers crossed for good information and knowledge about myself.
I am 41 years old and am having my evaluation tomorrow. I've dealt with anxiety and major depression for a good chunk of my life. For a long time, I have felt like that there was more to that, but couldn't put my finger on it. About a year ago I was in really bad shape and actively sought help on my own. My therapist later suspected ASD and told me that she could refer me to get diagnosed. I weighed the pros and cons for a while about it, but then realized it would be helpful to know if I'm dealing with ASD or something else, win order to understand myself a little better.
Sounds like you've been making a lot of brave decisions! Wishing you lots of grace and self-compassion along your journey! If there are any additional resources I can share with you that may be helpful, please let me know.
@@MomontheSpectrum Thanks. I just came back and won't know the results till next week. On one hand I was a little nervous, though not that bad, I was also looking forward to it. Hopefully I finally get answers to the things I've wondered about for several years.
@@goodbyekitty4437 sending good vibes your way!
@@goodbyekitty4437 How did it go? Did you get your diagnosis? And are you feeling okay about the results either way?
@@anyascelticcreations I was actually surprised how short the process was for me, considering what others here went through. There were no pre-evaluation forms or anything to fill out. I just showed up. I was interviewed, and my mom was interviewed as well. Prior to the evaluation, my mom and I made a list of my quirks and other pieces of information that we thought would be worth mentioning, and she brought the list with her. I only had to fill out one questionnaire for the ASD evaluation. I know I've seen this test somewhere here on TH-cam, but forget the name of it. I actually wished I was given this to fill out before the evaluation, so I could have really had time to think about some of the statements. I question myself often how accurate my answers really were on some of the questions. I also did a couple ADHD tests. In the end, I was given a diagnosis of ASD and pretty bad ADHD.
Thank you for this in-depth video on what the diagnoses process was like. I have been researching this as I to like to know the process before jumping in. How long did you have to wait to see this psychologist? Were you put on a list? And did it cost anything? Here in Canada (Saskatchewan) there is a four year wait list to see someone about a diagnoses (if you can't afford a private evolution) whereas a private evolution is anywhere from 3-4000+ dollars. It's mind boggling. I don't think I can wait four years as I've struggled enough up until this point (where my therapist was the one who asked about what my thoughts were on that I may have autism) your videos have been such a relief and a place of comfort. For the community and for the in-depth knowledge! Thank you for all your wonderful videos, story and research 💖
thanks for sharing, I try to educate a little about what I go through being on the spectrum aspergers and there are people who just think I am weird
I conduct psychological evaluations, including ASD. It was refreshing to see a video that clearly and concisely explains the process. I'm actually going to use this for people to watch prior to testing. Thank you for posting! Dr. W
❤
This is very detailed and helpful. Thanks.
You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment.
@@MomontheSpectrum Hello Taylor! Yes, your video really really really detailed! (Sorry, that was just me having fun with you - combining the rate of information, the amount of information (consistent with you "looking under every rock and behind every corner" at 09:58), and the lovely way you say "really" - which you do often!
My daughter, 21, has an ASD assessment today - very soon. She and you are really really alike IMO.
Like you, she is incredibly smart and capable, but does everything with intensity and "angleness" rather than a smooth flow. I'm very capable and energetic too - see some of the fast music on my channel - but inside my brain works smoothly. That smoothness is something I strive for all time because it maximises my potential. I try to calm my daughter (for her benefit and my own) but paradoxically, and sadly for me, that un-calms her. I don't know why.
Video games have the same effect on her as you, though you are more aware of the effect they have on you than she is. She gets consumed to the extent it hijacks her. It's upsetting and concerning for me. (Incidentally, does your husband help you understand the way you are? I remember him from another of your videos. He's very non-ASD IMO. I like him - he's how I strive to be. I think I can well imagine the interaction between you two. Maybe you could show him this comment?).
My daughter likes your channel. I don't know whether she'll like this comment if she sees it! 😂
Finally, a tip: It seems to me that you're doing this channel with the same intensity and thoroughness and more-than-necessary-ness (like your husband, I'm inventing special words for you 😅) as when you were flute teaching. For your own sustainability I think you'd benefit from taking it more easily. You can always add another video downstream! I appreciate that my attempt to calm you might un-calm you!
All best.
🙂❤
We on the spectrum are not weird or different. We are unique. Everyone else is just trying to catch up. Keep being yourself.
Right now I'm feeling very overwhelmed. But also hopeful. I just started seeing a PCP again about some serious physical health issues. My PCP referred me to see a behavioral health specialist too. I guess I'm worried that whoever she referred me to will miss the autism and say that I don't have it.
I have been wanting to be assessed for autism for a long time. But now I kind of feel pressured to see a dr of my choice before seeing the one that is recommended.
I'm going through so much right now with physical health, finances, etc that I barely feel like I have it in me to do all that I need to do. Yet all of it needs to get done ASAP.
I wish someone could just sit me down and pick my brain until they find everything they want to know.
I did email the people who you recommended to me. Thank you for the recommendations and links! I got 2 emails back saying that they don't work with my insurance or can't help me out of state. But one said that she can work with me! Yay!
Hopefully the dr who said she can work with me will send me links for everything she wants me to do. I mean, she probably knows that I have executive function difficulty if I am asking to be evaluated for ADHD and autism.
If not, then I will try to go through the tests on my own.
Thank you so much for making this video! Congratulations on completing everything and getting the diagnosis! And wish me luck on getting mine!
Good luck!! You’ve got this.
@@MomontheSpectrum Thank you!
you have a Keira Knightley smile 😀
Thank you for this.
I'm not going to lie; just the thought of going and speaking to someone and being assessed made me feel sick to my stomach.
Actually had to repeatedly pause the video because my brain kept being like "Oh hell no!"
A researcher at the local Uni was doing a numerical study for which I volunteered, and I had the same experience. "How....How did you do that?" I dunno? I suck at most things, but remembering a string of numbers and repeating it back to you in reverse is apparently something I am good at!
My mother actually brought me into the doctor when I was around 13 years old ... she never did tell me why we were going but the doctor asked me a variety of questions that finally had me wondering if I was mentally ill or what. The doctor spoke to my mom as if I wasn't in the room, and said nope there's nothing wrong with her, she just likes to talk about her specific interests & isn't interested in talking about other things. From then on out I knew that she suspected something was "wrong" but I didn't seek my own help until my early 30s, 3 or 4 years ago. I'm still undiagnosed, I was a therapist & have worked with ppl with autism but didn't understand the whole spectrum I've used the word referring to myself around my husband throughout the years but so far he has dismissed it.
Awesome video. Thanks so much
You're very welcome. Thank you for supporting my channel!
My daughter is 20. We are searching for the appropriate professional to evaluate her…so she’s very early in the process. Watching your video was so helpful for what tests we should ask for, expect, and have her prepare for. 💜 Love the Ranier Maria Rilke closing.
You might also look at embrace-autism.com. They do online evals by an autistic female psychologist. I have not personally been through the process but it may be worth looking into.
Ugh. God bless you for this and everything you do, Taylor! This all seems like an impossibly daunting task though. However long it takes everyone to do all of this, it undoubtedly will take me @ least three times longer. This must be because of the Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder I was diagnosed with years and years ago. Add in the Depression & Attention Deficit Disorder diagnoses and BINGO! The realization that they all missed the 800 lb. Gorilla in the room took hold. It’s AUTISM!!! It’ll probably take me years to finish all these tests and then spend years and thousands of dollars on some waiting lists. Extremely discouraging.
Check out wilderwood equine therapy. They have a donation-based evaluation that starts at $500. I have only heard positive things about people’s experiences there.
God bless you from NJ, Taylor. You truly move mountains with all you do. 😘 I will look into for sure!
Just waiting for Autism testing from my Psychiatrist last time we met one of the things he said was that he was away to look back at my medical notes from childhood till now. diagnoised with ADHD when I was 6 all of 36 years ago, Actually did the AQ a few months ago from another TH-cam video (this was b4 finding Mum on the Spectrum) scored 34 and the next day thought maybe I answered to quickly then scored 35. By no means a dignoises yet but at least its helped me to look for these types of Videos and watch and see how others live and manage to get through a day
I'm getting ready for my autism assessment right now
FYI for anyone interested in the same diagnostic therapist as Taylor used. Dr. Laura Sanders is currently in the Fort Collins area... which is in Northern Colorado, North of Denver, Berthoud, and Loveland. She is a bit too far north for me, but perhaps she can help you!! 🥰 Thank you, Taylor, for ALL YOU DO!! 💜💜💜
Hi MotS. I've just watched this video as finally, finally after nearly 15 years of asking for an assessment I will have one by the end of this year.
I have been constantly refused (UK NHS) by one psychiatrist who says I make good eye contact, a psychiatrist I've never met! Yet this man is the sole gate-keeper. The rules changed this year, and this time I had to write an essay, basically endorsing my view of why I think I may be autistic. I was immediately accepted, there's now this short delay.
I'm 53. I can wait a few more months.
As difficult as the tests may be, I hope I get a similar test myself. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
I am currently in the process of being assessed for autism. (Which I have suspected for years but only recently decIded to look into official diagnosis after my son - age 8 - was diagnosed ASD LVL 1 as well as ADHD.)
I completed so many hours of tests and questionnaires. My mom also filled out a few forms for me. My next step is doing a MIGDAS interview with the psychologist on December 16th! I've emailed her a 27 page document of personal notes from throughout my lifetime of my main concerns as well as some lists of my struggles, traits, interests and experiences throughout my lifetime.
I also included my copies of DSM outlines for ASD and ADHD where I highlighted areas that I felt pertained to me.
I am so ready to get this finalized and have my answers officially.
I was browsing TH-cam for adult experiences during evaluation and came across your video.
Thank you for taking time to help others mentally prepare; as you said, it is hard not knowing what to expect.
You're welcome and thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience here. I know it will be helpful to the community.
Middle of the summer in DFW and you were worried about how the AC being out would affect your results? As opposed to "Am I going to survive to get my results?"
Most of my sensory issues are undersensitivities, but two things I can't stand are hot air and cold water. The latter isn't a problem in Dallas this time of year, but I basically don't go outside from May to October.
Nice😊
It’s funny getting to the part about writing it all out. I’m literally working on that thinking. This will be so helpful, especially when I meet a psychologist and know I want want to actually talk to them.
*wont want to
Thanks for the info! Going to my primary physician tomorrow to ask for an assessment and I’m so nervous about what to say and that he will just gaslight my symptoms.
When I was a kid and took the IQ test, I had had that astonished “how did you do that” reaction too. Decades later I wouldn’t be able to do well on that. Brain is a bit fried. Don’t really want to take it again. As for autistic spectrum, when we were tested diagnosis for that wasn’t as clearly diagnosed as now but if IQ was high it was expected that we’d be able to work through it, lots of problems.
Interesting video! I did the AQ, CAT-Q, and RAADS-R (all together about 160 questions). Then a couple of visits and my initial interview/evaluation was just over 3hrs. Conclusion AuDHD 🎉
I've been asked to prepare a written narrative document for my evaluation. Because I'm so impaired by severe ME/CFS, it's taken me five freaking months.
I’m about to turn 36 and I have my eval in a week!
Currently waiting my turn so THANK YOU for posting this video (even tho it was 2 yrs ago) so I can maybe adequately prepare. Apparently, there is ONE neuropsychologist in the State of Maine that takes MaineCare so I have to wait for that one person -that prob means she's pretty overworked and used to dealing with children - I'm foreseeing a lot of short cuts, but it doesn't currently look like I have a lot of choices - any thoughts?
Hello! Great video! Just thought I’d share that I’ve finally found some who can assess me for ASD and have booked the initial screening phone call, the process is very expensive so I debated whether it was worth it but I think it most definitely it. I have been invalidated so often that I want to prove to myself that this is real and to perchance get accomodations since I wish to study for a long time. Im very nervous about the process but have also made a long PowerPoint about my symptoms and how they align with the DSM-5 criteria lol. Thankyou for this video it was helpful :)
Aw yay thank you for sharing this with me! I know the diagnostic process can be a scary undertaking but TRUST YOUR INTUITION and take everything one baby step at a time. You've got this!
How do you have a conversation with your partner to encourage them to seek an autism diagnosis ?
Dang. Sooooo many tests. I'm freaking out ❤
Great video.
Thanks for watching!
I've always felt "off" and after looking through things and doing I think the first test you mentioned and scoring in the 90 percentile I went to my family Dr to get a referral to a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis one way or the other, and my family Dr just kept trying to push me into ADHD. She didn't even listen to why I wanted to get the referral. She locked on to when I said I got distracted at a previous appointment (when I went to her about my brain fog which she at the time said was for menopause. Still don't have menopause.) So now I don't know how to go about getting evaluated. I'm in Canada and it's a year wait and $3000 to get evaluated but you need a referral. It's so frustrating.
I'm in a questioning phase, I guess. There are struggles that I have and behaviors I engage in that make me wonder if they're because I might have autism. I am currently diagnosed with bipolar II, dyslexia, and adhd, so a lot of my challenges and differences easily fit within those diagnoses, but there's some social challenges and random little ticks/things I do that make me wonder. I do have a family member on the spectrum, and I highly suspect my dad is on the spectrum, too.
The questioning phase is important. Keep researching and asking questions, staying curious and trusting your intuition. Trust whatever information helps you feel like the most free and authentic version of yourself.
I’m currently in the very beginning stages of my autism self discovery journey. I’m still trying to figure out who to go to, and if they take my insurance, etc.
My question for you is when you say write up why you think you fit an autism diagnosis how did your papers look? I’ve been putting things down in bullet form that I’ve noticed I’m different in from others, but it’s nowhere near that long. Were yours bullet points, or essay form? Thank you!
Did insurance cover any of your testing and assessment? I’m concerned about that.
I'm 20 years old, and since I'm 19 I've beeen thinking that maybe autism is the thing that is going on in my head all my life, I started a document with the things that make me think like that, I just started 2 days ago and it's already 4 pages long, I wasn't doing it really serious because something in my head just tell me "You are not autistic, you are just searching excuses to justify your attitude" and the document I started it's a way to tell myself "This is real, at least SOMETHING is going on" but still something stoped me.
Now that I found this video, I feel more animated to continue and I'm thinking to put some rules to myself, like If the document reach 10 or 15 pages long I'm going to express out loud my suspicions.
I'm kinda scared that all of this is just an imagination of mine and that is why I haven't really approached to a proffesional, but since I have a time thinking on this, your videos had been very helpful to encourage me to search the help I might need
Man it's so much to go through. It's driving me insane because all these years possibly I've had Asperger's or ASD. I must get tested, but I don't have anyone to help me. This sounds so discouraging. A lot of time to get this done.
Did you grow up doing any regular manual labor? You have the same hands as I do (larger knuckles and joints from frequent activity)and in particular the inward bend in your third pinky joint. I’m just curious because I feel like it’s from using hand tools a lot (tree work for 7+ years). Thank you for the content, I just found out a few days ago I’m autistic and I’m kind of blown away still. At 31. I’m trying to let go of the knowledge that I never once got the support I needed, and wondering how much of the real me is actually present versus who I’ve been pretending to be the whole time.
Will never understand what someone's issue is with "High Functioning". We're on the spectrum and we function at a higher level than others. The description fits.
Because it leads people to infer much more about your functioning ability than they should. Most NT people who hear high functioning autism will 100% believe that means you need no accommodations, don't struggle much if at all with almost anything, etc. The term originally was only used to differentiate between those who have intellectual disabilities and those who do not, by the researchers who coined the term. If you use it in the sense which it is meant to be used, it still indicates a problem because at least one study of over 2000 people has shown that those who would be considered "low functioning" had functioning capabilities similar to what one would expect based on their IQ, or rating of intellectual disability. However, those deemed "high functioning" had functioning abilities quite a bit lower than one would expect based on their average or higher IQ. It's very difficult to simplify such a huge spectrum into two categories, so you end up with people who float somewhere in the middle, people who's functioning abilities can drastically change from day to day by changing key aspects of what people see to be determinate of functioning, like ability to work or ability to verbally communicate. The term high functioning ends up meaning very little when many people are grouped in who, if people were to know more about their life then just how they look/if they can speak and if they can hold down a part time job, would actually be seen as having pretty significant struggles with everyday functioning.
Thanks for sharing your personal story and what your journey was like. It sounds like you already had a sense you were autistic which prompted you to get tested. Do you have any advice for how loved ones might be able to approach someone in their family they might want to get tested?
My MIL has always seemed quirky. For a while I couldn't quite pinpoint what was different, but a few years after an incident happened, my eyes opened to the possibility of her being autistic. Since then, I feel like I see more and more signs. She's in her 60s and doesn't seem to know much about ASD, and I'm worried if I bring it up she might get offended and it would create drama. What advice would you give to someone in a similar situation?
I’m literally in the car (husband is driving) on my way to my assessment. And I’m terrified.
You’ve got this!!
How did it go
I was referred for a ADHD assessment in the NHS in Ireland- And realised the dr had referred me for a Autism Assesment- I was diagnosed with Autism- The Diagnostic report has just come this week and I have 2 pages - no explanation of what type of autism I have what support would help etc etc etc - nothing- for all the time I took answering the questions and answering the questions it lacks in lots of ways - I spoke to the psychologist and she asks what does should I ask her to write she is the professional- really crazy
This may not be possible, but do you have resources for providers in St. Louis Missouri?
That sounds a lot like the testing that the neuro psychologist did after my stroke. I self diagnosed myself a week ago, and no it wasn't the stroke. It made sense based on things I remember from school and work. The stroke may have exacerbated it, but it was definitely there before the stroke.
If anyone reading this knows where in Arkansas an adult could go to be assessed for ASD, I would so appreciate knowing. Name of a clinic?
I scored a 43 i also have as an adult a lot of sensory issues not with food but with clothing and certain sounds
I have suspected I am on the spectrum for some time. I just had a conversation with my primary and she believes I am on the spectrum. A lot of emotions now. Working on getting help and an official diagnosis. I am 58
I haven’t scrolled thru all the comments yet to see if this was asked…but I’m curious, not judging at all but wanted to know why you’d “want the diagnosis?” The reason I’m asking is bc I’m in the process now and my mindset is “I either have it or don’t…and they’ll just tell me either way. It won’t change anything regardless.” I know everyone is different and have different mindsets about stuff but I’m just curious why getting the diagnosis would be the goal. Thank you for sharing. :)
I'm seeking a diagnosis but am hesitant as to who to call. Any suggestions? Does the lady in the description do virtual appointments?