Understanding Autism Assessments

Autism assessments involve a collaborative process aimed at understanding an individual's experiences and potential autism diagnosis.

Process Overview

1. Initial Assessment:
   • Conducting interviews to explore personal experiences that may suggest an autism diagnosis.
2. Evaluation Components:
   • Assessing social preferences, strengths, and challenges.
   • Exploring sensory preferences and responses.
   • Understanding past experiences with accommodations and their effectiveness.
3. Consideration of Additional Factors:
   • Addressing issues such as masking, burnout, and associated mental health challenges like anxiety and low mood.
4. Collaborative Approach:
   • Engaging in assessments from a collaborative perspective that values individual needs and lived experiences.
   • Recognizing the validity and usefulness of self-assessment and self-diagnosis for many individuals.

Recommendations and Advocacy

Upon completing assessments:

• Advocacy Focus:
  • Leveraging expertise to advocate for individuals and create tailored recommendations and supports based on collaborative assessment outcomes.