Frequently Asked Questions
I think I might be autistic. What should I do next?
I get this question a lot, so I made a quick, two-minute video to address next steps.
Are there online tests I can take to help me determine if I’m autistic?
Yes and no. Yes, there are helpful tests available that can give you more information regarding whether or not you may be on the autism spectrum. But these online tests are not the same as a professional assessment. They are only a guide. My favorite website for online autism tests is Embrace Autism.
The two tests I find the most helpful are:
Is a self diagnosis valid?
Many people in the autistic community respect self diagnosis due to the fact that it can be challenging to find a provider who understands autism in adults (especially women) well enough to diagnosis it. There are many stories of people being denied a diagnosis solely because they can make eye contact or have friends. Neither of these things should be used to deny anyone an autism diagnosis if they meet the criteria in other ways.
In my own experience, many people I know in the autistic community who self-diagnose do not take this lightly and spend ample amount of time researching to the point they know every detail of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism. Many of these people are also in situations where visiting a qualified provider is not an option, and a self-diagnosis provides the validation they need to live a more fulfilling life.
For a further exploration on professional vs. self diagnosis, you may find the videos below helpful.
Where can I go to receive an autism evaluation?
These are several providers I can recommend. I also have a longer list of recommendations in my Big Autistic Resource Guide.
Spectrus Psychological Services, Corp.
Northern Colorado Assessment Center
How should I prepare for my autism evaluation?
The forms and documents needed for your evaluation will depend on the provider you’re working with, but the MOST helpful thing I did for myself and have heard others echo, is taking the time to write out why I believed I met the criteria for an autism diagnosis. My provider said this was very helpful to her, and it also alleviated stress for myself because it left fewer things for me to communicate during my actual evaluation.
My advice would be to follow the DSM-5 guidelines, which are most commonly used to diagnose autism. For help understanding the DSM-5, you might find the video below helpful:
What does an autism assessment include?
All experiences will be different based on your own particular provider and their process. For a step-by-step walk through of my own evaluation process, including the forms, assessments, and tests used, check out the video below.
I’ve gone so long without an official diagnosis…Why should I seek one now? (Why Late Autism Diagnosis Matters)
I don’t know the first thing about unmasking. Where do I start?
Check out my self-paced video course “How to Unmask: Cultivating Your True Autistic Self.” I’ll provide you with practical tips to help you on your journey to unmasking.
