Adult Autism Assessment in Vancouver
People may seek out an autism assessment for a variety of reasons, often driven by the observation of behavioural and developmental patterns that differ from typical expectations. Parents or caregivers might notice early signs in their children, such as delayed speech, challenges in social interactions, or repetitive behaviors. These concerns often prompt them to consult a healthcare provider, especially if they notice a lack of eye contact, difficulty in understanding social cues, or unusual sensory sensitivities. There are many reasons that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may not have been diagnosed in childhood, including lack of access to assessment services, different diagnostic criteria (the diagnostic criteria have changed, and more people may meet criteria than previously), and newer, more sensitive assessment processes that are able to pick up on subtle differences in communication and “social relatedness” (how we feel and understand ourselves in relation to others). An increasing number of adults are seeking out assessment and diagnosis.
Seeking an Adult Autism Assessment in Vancouver
For adults, the decision to seek an autism assessment can stem from a lifelong feeling of being different or struggling with social situations. Many adults may have gone undiagnosed as children, especially if their symptoms were mild or misattributed to other conditions. They might experience difficulties in maintaining relationships, sustaining employment, or coping with sensory overload. An assessment can provide clarity, validate their experiences, and open doors to support and resources that were previously unavailable.
Who Should Get an ASD Assessment?
People who get assessed are often those who have felt different for a long time, but are not quite sure why. Some have had healthcare providers or counsellors suggest that they should seek an autism assessment, but many come to this independently. Since conversations about autism and other forms of neurodivergence have really opened up online, many people are learning more about autism and feeling seen and recognized in new ways. Although online assessments are not formal diagnostic tools, many people choose to complete online assessments like the RAADS-R to understand if they are likely to meet criteria for ASD. A growing body of research suggests that the RAADS-R is fairly accurate despite being based on mainly self-report measures.
Seeking an autism assessment is often a step toward understanding and addressing challenges that affect daily functioning and quality of life. It can lead to personalized support plans, educational accommodations, and therapeutic interventions that empower neurodivergent people to reach their full potential. The growing awareness and acceptance of autism have also encouraged more people to seek assessments, fostering a more inclusive society that recognizes and values neurodiversity.
What Diagnostic Tools do You Use?
At Stillwaters Counselling, we use the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, which are considered the gold standard tools in the assessment of ASD. The ADOS-2, or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition, is a standardized diagnostic tool used to assess and diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It involves a series of structured and semi-structured activities that allow clinicians to observe and evaluate behaviours related to social communication, interaction, and play.
If you're an participating in an adult autism assessment, here's what you can generally expect: the ADOS-2 is designed to help understand aspects of social communication and interaction, and it plays a role in diagnosing conditions related to autism spectrum disorders. During the assessment, you'll engage in a series of activities and conversations that are structured to observe your responses and interactions.
What Can I Expect from an Adult Autism Assessment?
The session takes place in either our Vancouver or West Vancouver offices. You'll be asked to do a variety of simple tasks, which might include role-playing, discussing past experiences, or interacting with objects or materials. These activities are designed to be natural and conversational, aimed at assessing how you handle different social scenarios and communication with the clinician.
The clinician will observe how you communicate, respond to social cues, and manage various social situations throughout these tasks. The duration of the assessment can range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the module and the nature of the activities.
After the assessment, the clinician will review their observations and provide feedback. This may include discussing the results with you, exploring any further evaluations if needed, and outlining potential next steps or recommendations. The goal is to make the process as comfortable and informative as possible, ensuring a clear understanding of your social and communication styles to support you effectively. If you have any questions or concerns during the process, feel free to ask the clinician for clarification or additional information.
The ADI-R is a parent interview, which asks detailed questions about your developmental history. Because Stillwaters Counselling focuses on serving the LGBTQIA+ community, we understand that relationships with family of origin can be complicated, and we can find work with you to find alternative ways to get the necessary information about your developmental history in order to complete the assessment
Who Conducts ASD Assessments at Stillwaters Counselling?
At Stillwaters Counselling, adult ASD assessments are conducted by a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW). Unlike RSWs, RCSWs can assess and make DSM-V diagnoses. Because social work takes a bio-psycho-social approach to assessment, a social work assessment may be more holistic and take into account your social context in a more nuanced way than other types of assessments. At Stillwaters, we are uniquely specialized in conducting assessments with the LGBTQ+ community, and understanding the issues and challenges relevant to this community, including the intersectional experience of LQBTQ+ identified people and neurodivergent people. As social workers, we also understand that the way that you are socialized into gender may contribute to masking behaviour. We offer sliding scale rates for ASD assessment because we understand that people in this community may face financial barriers. Additionally, some LGBTQ+ people prefer to have their assessment conducted by a member of their own community, who has some shared lived experiences to draw from.
How do I Get Started with an ASD Assessment
To take the first step in booking an adult autism assessment in Vancouver, fill out our contact form or book a consultation with Imogen.
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