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Key Signs

Opportunities are present for mental health professionals to detect individuals who may not have been diagnosed in childhood. Consequently, it is important to be aware of key signs of Autism in adolescents and adults.

Signs of Autism in Teenagers and Adults

This poster, developed by the Autism Association of WA, outlines some of the key signs of Autism in adults & adolescents. This tool should be used as a guide only. If multiple characteristics associated with Autism are identified, it may be worth progressing to a more formal screening tool. 

Click here to download. 

 


Where traits consistent with Autism are identified, a number of freely accessible tools are available to assist clinicians in further screening. However, it is essential to recognise that the target population for these tools is for those individuals with Autism without co-occurring intellectual disability or psychiatric comorbidities. Traits detected in these screening tools are sensitive but not specific to Autism, and the presence of comorbid mental health conditions is likely to inflate scores on screening measures, reducing the validity of these measures in psychiatric populations.

Therefore taking a good developmental history around characteristics of rigid & repetitive behaviours, and social communication difficulties is the foundation of screening in mental health settings. The standardised screening tools below are provided for general information.

Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

The University of Cambridge have developed a screening tool called the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). The AQ-10 is a 10 item self-report questionnaire that is quick to complete and score, and available in both adolescent and adult versions:

 

Ritvo Autism Asperger’s Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R)

The Ritvo Autism Asperger’s Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) is another useful resource in the screening and assessment of adults for possible Autism. The Autism Association has developed a screening tool based on the RAADS-R – click here to view. 

 

Other measures available for purchase include:

 


There are many potential benefits to making an Autism diagnosis, at any age. Many individuals find a diagnosis in adolescence or adulthood an empowering tool for improved self-knowledge and better understanding of their individual challenges and strengths. Adults on the Autism Spectrum can also access a range of supports, including peer support, therapy, education and employment support, and support with independent living.

National Guideline 

The Autism CRC has produced a comprehensive document outlining evidence-based approaches to diagnosis in Australia called the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia.

 

Quickbite: Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults

For further education for Psychiatrists, the RCPSYCH has developed the following CPD module:

Quickbite: Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults

Please note. You will require a CPD eLearning subscription to access this training module.

 

Autism Assessment & Diagnosis Module (Australian Psychological Society)

For Psychologists, the Australian Psychological Society has produced the following Module on assessment and diagnosis:

Assessment & Diagnosis Module

 


In Western Australia there are a number of referral pathways for accessing a diagnosis. You can read about the diagnosis processes in WA by clicking here.

  • Child Development Services provided through the WA Child and Adolescent Health service provide multidisciplinary assessment for individuals up to age 16 (Ph. 1300 551 827)
  • Co-ordinated Multidisciplinary team assessments can be accessed through the Autism Association of WA diagnostic clinics for individuals up to the age of 30 years of age – click here for more information 

Alternatively, diagnostic assessments can also be coordinated through relevant specialists (Pediatricians, Psychiatrists) working in private practice.


Cambridge University Autism Research Centre

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University, summarises strategies for improving the recognition of Autism in the following key articles:

 

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

NICE provides the following clinical guidance regarding diagnosis for specialists:

 

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network: Assessment, Diagnosis and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

Diagnostic Instruments Article

Diagnostic Instruments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This article looks at the the accuracy of diagnostic tests for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders across the lifespan.

 


 

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