Evaluating Autism in Adults: A Conversation Worth Having
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at IPAM is engaging in conversations that challenge, educate, and ultimately improve the way we approach neurodevelopmental diagnoses. Last week, Dr. Dinklocker, Mr. Fassio, Ms. Mor, and I had the pleasure of presenting to the Speech and Hearing Discussion Group of Greater Washington (SHDG) on the topic of evaluating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults—a discussion that underscored just how much this field is evolving.
We walked through the historical context of ASD, the complexity of differential diagnoses, and the unique challenges of assessing autism in adults, particularly when comorbidities like ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders are present. The group was especially engaged in the discussion about how social and communication differences often manifest in adulthood—sometimes in subtle ways that can be misattributed or overlooked.
Why Diagnosing Autism in Adults is So Complex
Unlike childhood ASD diagnoses, which are often guided by developmental history and school-based observations, adults seeking an evaluation often arrive with a lifetime of learned coping strategies. Some have spent years masking their traits, while others have been misdiagnosed along the way. Our discussion focused on:
- The history and evolution of ASD diagnoses and how diagnostic criteria have changed.
- Assessment tools that help distinguish ASD from overlapping conditions.
- The role of brain research in shaping our understanding of adult ASD.
- The importance of vocational support and resources tailored to adults navigating a new diagnosis.
We also shared real-world case studies to illustrate how assessment measures work in practice. These examples sparked insightful discussion, reinforcing that no two individuals present exactly the same way—something that makes ASD evaluation both challenging and deeply important.
A Thoughtful Exchange of Knowledge
What stood out most during the presentation was the level of engagement from SHDG members. Their questions highlighted the growing need for multidisciplinary collaboration, especially as more adults seek answers later in life. Hearing their perspectives reinforced just how much our fields—psychology, speech and language pathology, and beyond—can learn from each other when it comes to improving access to accurate assessments.
We were incredibly honored to receive this feedback from the group:
“ENORMOUS THANKS to all of you for taking time out of your very busy schedules to provide this very thorough overview of ASD in the adult population.” – SHDG Leadership
This kind of dialogue is exactly what moves the field forward. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or someone navigating your own diagnostic journey, these conversations matter.
For more information about adult ASD evaluations, we invite you to contact us to discuss how we can assist you.
