More and more adults are realizing they might be autistic later in life.
Maybe you have always felt a little different from your peers or have autistic people in your life who you relate to. Maybe you are dealing with heavy burnout that just won’t lift, and are struggling with the demands that come with living independently as an adult. Maybe you see yourself in some content made by autistic creators on social media and are wondering if it could mean something.
However you got here, your reasons are valid enough to explore it further, and seek support that will bring more ease to your day to day.
Step 1: Start With Self-Exploration
A good first step is to take a self assessment. The Autism-Spectrum Quotient and the RAADS-R are both supportive screening tools that are backed up by research and can give you a clearer picture of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Both are free through Embrace Autism and can be accessed at any time.
It also helps to start gathering information that will be useful if you decide to pursue a formal assessment.
Try to get a hold of:
School records and old report cards
A rough timeline of your work history and challenges you’ve experienced at work
Notes on your sensory experiences (how you respond to sounds, textures, lights, crowds)
Notes on social experiences
Childhood memories, including things family members remember about you
Is Self-Diagnosis Okay/Enough?
Yes. The autism community is widely accepting of self identifying with autism because getting an official diagnosis can come with a lot of hoops to jump through. It can be a good fit if you:
Are on a waitlist and can’t afford private assessment
Live somewhere more remote with no access to clinicians that diagnose autism
Mask heavily or appear to be doing well
Have experienced medical bias or medical trauma
Are looking for understanding, community, and self compassion
An official diagnosis is not necessary for everyone, and there are still lots of meaningful changes that can be made in every day life to support you, like small adjustments in the home that make your life easier.
Step 2: Talk to Your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
Your GP or nurse practitioner can refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment. This route is covered by MSP, but wait lists can be long. It can help to bring all your notes from step 1 so you can describe your experiences with depth and clarity.
Step 3: Consider a Private Assessment
Private assessments are much faster, but they cost more, typically between $2500 and $5000 CAD. MSP doesn’t cover them, but if you have extended health benefits you may be able to get a portion covered, so it’s worth checking your plan.
Look for a neurodiversity affirming clinic that understands adult masking and how autism can present later in life.
Some clinics you can check out are:
All Brains Clinic - Vancouver
Campbell and Fairweather - Nanaimo and Victoria
Pathfinder Clinic - Vancouver
Spectrum Works - Vancouver
Step 4: What to Expect in an Assessment
Every clinic is a little different, but most assessments include:
Clinical interviews. In depth conversations about your daily life, inner experiences, sensory needs and social challenges.
A second perspective. A parent, sibling, or childhood friend might be asked to share their observations or fill out a questionnaire.
A look at your history. This is where all that information you compiled earlier comes in. School and work experiences, mental health history and long term challenges you’ve faced.
Structured tools. This might include the ADOS-2 or standardized questionnaires.
While You Wait…
The anticipation of diagnosis can be the hardest part. You don’t need to hold off on supporting yourself until you have an answer. Small changes in every day life can make huge differences. Some changes you can consider making now are:
Reduce sensory load at home with softer lighting, noise cancelling headphones, or comfortable clothing.
Build in recovery time after social events and busy days
Use reminders, checklists and routines to lighten the mental load of every day tasks
Start saying “no” when you’re running low on energy
Connect with online or local autism communities to share experiences and feel understood
Learn about masking and find spaces where you can feel safe to unmask a little
Find a neurodiversity affirming counsellor who can support you through the process
You can also speak to your workplace/school about what accommodations can be made to support you in your work. Employers have a legal duty to accommodate employees with disabilities and should not require you to have an official diagnosis. That being said, sometimes bosses/admin can be stringent and might request it.
You Deserve Support That Fits
Whether you end up with a formal diagnosis, a self-identification, or simply a better understanding of yourself, the goal is the same: to help you feel more at home in your own body and your own life. You deserve support that fits how your brain works.
If you would like support while you explore, consider booking a free 15 minute consultation call to find out how our therapists can help.