Autism assessments for adults

An adult autism assessment is a comprehensive, multi-step process used to determine if an individual’s behaviours, social communication, and cognitive patterns align with autism spectrum disorder. With Peace Psychological Services, it includes an in-depth interview, either in-person or over tele-health, standardized observational tools, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), self-rating scales, partner or parent rating scales, and a developmental history analysis, often with family input. 

The different portions of the assessment require varying amounts of time. Depending on your schedule or preference, all portions may be completed in the same day, or over two separate visits. A separate appointment will be booked to provide the results of your assessment.

Take time to think about what an assessment and/or diagnosis of autism may mean for you. It is often helpful to discuss this with a close friend, family member, or therapist ahead of time. It's also important to know that while a diagnosis is certainly possible, not everyone meets diagnostic criteria for autism. Please ensure you are prepared for both outcomes.

You will be asked to complete a series of intake forms - including a developmental history form - prior to your appointment. It is often helpful to ask a parent or someone else who knew you in childhood for help completing this form. 

Please ensure you bring along, or upload to your client portal, any historic medical or speech-language reports from your childhood. 

Ask your parent(s) if they would be available to take part in a developmental interview to help me learn more about your early behaviours and development as they relate to autism. If no parent is available, think about any others who could provide the information. A partner or friend can also be a good source of information for the purposes of an assessment if that is something you are comfortable with.