Living happy and healthy.
AUTISM ASSESSMENT
When seeking an autism assessment—whether for a child or an adult—it is essential to insist on at least one, ideally multiple, standardized assessments specifically designed for autism (such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R, MIGDAS-2, or similar tools). If a clinician offers what they call an “assessment” without using any of these instruments, they are relying solely on clinical observation, not conducting a formal diagnostic evaluation. This lack of transparency can mislead families. Autism is often overlooked in individuals who are social, make eye contact, are empathetic, and have strong communication skills. I often see this with individuals who have a high-IQ or those who also present with ADHD symptoms. ADHD is sometimes viewed as a “less intense” diagnosis and used as a catch-all explanation—yet many individuals are AuADHD, meaning they have both autism and ADHD.
Unfortunately, I often encounter clients whose autism was dismissed—not only because they did not fit stereotypical profiles, but also because some clinicians view autism as a “big” or intimidating diagnosis and avoid it even when assessments point toward it. This is particularly common in women and gender-diverse individuals; research shows they are more likely to be misdiagnosed with personality, mood, or anxiety disorders before receiving an autism diagnosis and that about 80% remain undiagnosed by age 18. Additionally, autistic women are twice as likely as men to be hospitalized for psychiatric issues before being diagnosed with autism. These trends stem from outdated diagnostic tools, clinician bias, and the phenomenon of masking, where autistic traits are camouflaged, especially in women, making autism harder to recognize.
It is critical for families to communicate clearly that they want a thorough evaluation and an accurate autism diagnosis if it is supported by the evidence. If a clinician—or a family—feels apprehensive about naming autism, reflecting on and challenging that fear is an important step toward a more informed, respectful, and affirming understanding. Autism is not frightening—it is a neurodivergent identity deserving of recognition, clarity, and support.
Other clinicians I recommend:
Dr. Sara Frye, PhD
https://fryepsychservices.com/
Dr. Patricia Beldotti Psy.D
Dr. Josette Weibrecht, MD
More info on Diagnosis & local resources:
More info on Diagnostics:
https://neurodivergentinsights.com
Local Resources for Autism:
Southern Arizona Autism Society
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
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Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
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Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R)
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MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition)
– Qualitative, sensory- and relationship-based tool, useful for clients who may not “fit” classic presentations. -
3Di (Developmental, Dimensional, and Diagnostic Interview)
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DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders)
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CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition)
Diagnostic Tools
Self-Report & Questionnaire Measures
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RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised) – Adult self-report screening tool.
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RAADS-14 – Shorter screener for adults.
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CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire) – Measures masking/camouflaging, particularly relevant for women and gender-diverse individuals.
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AQ (Autism-Spectrum Quotient, including AQ-10, AQ-28, AQ-50) – Self-report screener across age ranges.
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SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition) – Parent, teacher, and self-report forms.
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ASRS (Autism Spectrum Rating Scales) – Parent and teacher reports.
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GARS-3 (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, Third Edition) – Questionnaire-based screener.
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SCQ (Social Communication Questionnaire) – Parent-report screening tool, often paired with ADOS.
Adaptive, Cognitive, and Developmental Context Measures
(Used to understand functioning and rule out differential diagnoses.)
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Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (Vineland-3)
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ABAS-3 (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System)
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Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Bayley-4)
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Wechsler Scales (WISC-V, WAIS-IV, WPPSI-IV)
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Stanford-Binet 5, DAS-II, Leiter-3 (nonverbal intelligence option)
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CELF-5 (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals)
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PPVT-5 (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test)
Adult & Late-Identified Autism Tools
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RAADS-R / RAADS-14 (mentioned above)
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CAT-Q (masking/camouflaging)
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MIGDAS-2 (qualitative, sensory-focused)
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ASDI (Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Interview)
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AdAS Spectrum Questionnaire (Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum)
Supplemental Tools
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ADOS Toddler Module – Early identification (12–30 months).
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SAND (Sensory Assessment for Neurodevelopmental Disorders) – Sensory-based measure.
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BOSA (Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism) – Streamlined, developed during COVID to replace ADOS in some settings.
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AAA (Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Diagnostic Assessment)
References (APA 7th ed.)
· Kentrou, V., et al. (2024). Perceived misdiagnosis of psychiatric conditions in autistic adults. EClinicalMedicine. PMC
· Bargiela, S., Steward, R., & Mandy, W. (2016). The experiences of late-diagnosed women with autism spectrum conditions: An investigation of the female autism phenotype. Autism. PMC
· Martini, M. I., et al. (2022). Sex differences in psychiatric diagnoses preceding autism diagnosis. JCPP. JAMA Network
· Rast, J. E., et al. (2025). Mental health hospitalization and readmission in autistic adults. [Study]. ScienceDirect
· National Autistic Society. (n.d.). Autistic women and girls – misdiagnosis and masking. National Autistic Society
· Loomes, R., Hull, L., & Mandy, W. (2017). What is the male-to-female ratio in autism? JAACAP. Wikipedia
· Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Diagnostic overshadowing in autism. Wikipedia. Wikipedia
· Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Autistic masking. Wikipedia.