Professionals to see to get adult diagnosis?

Post Reply New Topic

Not sure if this is an okay question to ask, if not then it can be removed. Is it ok to ask if anyone knows or knows someone who has found a professional (the correct kind) to accurately diagnose adult autism in the state of Ohio? I wish it wasn't so difficult to find for us adults as it is all so geared around kids, heck I don't even have proper health insurance at this time but just having some more information is a good thing. I didn't know if this is the right place to post a question like this or not, or if there is another area of the forums to put this kind of question.

It's a proper question.

Maybe the best way to get an official diagnosis is to be a subject of autism research.

I don't know about Ohio. You might want to try the universities' psychology programs.

Otherwise ASAN might be helpful:

http://asancentralohio.blogspot.com/

I got my diagnosis in my late 30s from a specialist in New York city.

Sadly, outside of some major urban areas there isn't much. If you can't find anything local you might have to travel, or try to do something remote over the internet.

https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/primary-c ... ism-center might be a place to start. They may be able to give references to diagnostic services for adults ?

I got my assessment when I was 64...but not in Ohio. The process might be similar, though.

Check with your health insurance provider. Some of the assessment cost might be covered. Do their process and their paperwork to maximize your coverage (if any). Stay with in-network providers, if you can.

Don't assume the insurance company knows much about Adult Autism Assessments! Mine gave me useless referrals and bad information about who could do an Adult Autism Assessment. I think Adult Autism Assessments must be uncommon so the insurance company probably does not have much experience with them.

Correct information: You should get a licensed psychologist to perform an Adult Autism Assessment. (My insurance company incorrectly said the psychologist had to have ABA certification! They do not! They just have to be a licensed psychologist.)

I would be very surprised if you found a psychologist who advertises that they do Adult Autism Assessments. I suspect those assessments are rare so why advertise a service (almost) no one wants? You'll have to search.

I started with https://www.findapsychologist.org to find psychologists within a reasonable distance from my home. And I looked at their web pages. I looked for psychologists who worked with Autism and took patients my age. But I think Adult Autism Assessments must be uncommon so no one's web page mentioned them.

Then I used the telephone to contact candidate practices to ask if they could do an Adult Autism Assessment. (Maybe don't ask if they do Adult Autism Assessments because those are rare...ask if the could do one.)

Good hunting!

P.S. The actual assessment was kind of fun!

P.P.S. My experience is relevant for the U.S. state I live in. It is possible the rules are different where you live.

My assessment was very fun. I basically played brain games all day. I would enjoy doing it again.

Thank you for the replies. Looks like I will need to do some digging and research, thank you for the helpful links!

Have you been in touch with AANE (aane.org)? They might be able to refer you to someone qualified in your area.

They also offer a free half hour call during which which you can ask about diagnostic options. You can sign up via the resources page on their website.