Should I Get Tested for Autism?

The rate of autism in the United States has risen steadily since researchers began tracking it back in the 90s. According to Autism Speaks (2023), 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, which is up from the previous rate of 1 in 44. This increase may sound concerning, but the main reason for the uptick boils down to the fact that clinicians are simply getting better at spotting what was always there.

While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be detected around age 2, the average age for diagnosis is 5. In 2020, the CDC published its first adult-focused data, reporting that 2 percent of adults in the U.S. have ASD. This report also states that there isn't a good way to collect data on how many adults actually have autism. In other words, the number could be much higher than 2 percent.

There are a range of reasons why older people are either misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed, including gender and racial biases as well as poor mental health care access. What’s more, adolescents and adults are often able to mask their symptoms, meaning they can "camouflage" certain behaviors or mimic expressions and gestures in an attempt to fit in. These behaviors and social deficits can go unnoticed for a long time and can have a negative effect on people with autism.

Autism is a relatively recent addition to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the primary diagnostic tool in the U.S. When it was added in 1980, autism was classified as a disorder that affected children. Now more than 40 years later, providers are looking more closely at DSM criteria and deciphering how certain behaviors manifest in adults.

Getting a Diagnosis is Not Easy

Because there is no blood test or brain scan for ASD, clinicians must rely on observations of a person’s behaviors and developmental history to arrive at a diagnosis. This subjective process involves a combination of evaluation tools and can only be done by a trained professional. Comprehensive assessment is also time-consuming, expensive and not typically covered by insurance.

If you’re an adult who has struggled with social communication and interaction skills, restricted and repetitive behaviors, rigidity, highly focused interests and sensitivity issues, it may be worth looking into an autism assessment.

While everyone is different, a later-in-life autism diagnosis can unearth a range of positive emotions. Sometimes the realization of being on the spectrum provides a sense of relief and validation. It can also untangle a lifetime of isolation and help explain certain behaviors, sensitivities and unique abilities.

Although you may feel “too old” to bother with a diagnosis, especially if you’ve figured out healthy ways to navigate your challenges and relationships, it may still be worth the effort. A diagnosis can be empowering and lead to a better understanding of your strengths and difficulties. It can also help you connect with others for advocacy, support and solidarity.

Lemi is proud to provide autism assessments using the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. We are here to guide you through the process with expertise and compassion.