I spent over three hours answering the questions, but…
…that doesn’t mean YOU will.
The time I spent was partially influenced by my thoroughness.
I also reread all of my typed-out responses to make sure there weren’t any typos or keystroke errors.
And I reread again to make sure everything was just right.
Hmm, all that alone could be a strong case for autism!
I also had to reflect upon some questions. In addition, some asked for the age of onset for certain behaviors.
To be as accurate as possible, you’ll want to pause and think, unless you know with absolute certainty that you began (fill in the blank) at age 9.
It was a good three hours, plus a little extra time signing multiple disclaimers (e.g., a $75 cancellation fee if the in-person appointment is cancelled less than 48 hours within its date; some checkboxes for preferred modes of communication; some covid information).
The questionnaire included a “Yes” and “No” format, within the context of age or time frames, and also had areas for typed-out responses. There was plenty of opportunity for me to type away.
The questionnaire was sent to me via a link and included a password. Once I entered the password, I was able to fill in my answers.
What to Do Before Answering a Pre-Autism Assessment Questionnaire
Before starting the questionnaire, be 100% sure you’ll be free of distractions.
I had already eaten, popped in my earplugs (to mask outside noise), made sure the room was a comfortable temperature, and off I went.
I’d been told the test would take 45 minutes, yet I couldn’t see how that could be possible — even for a neurotypical.
You’ll want to give yourself a time slot of three hours just to play safe.
What’s on the Pre-Autism Assessment Questionnaire
It was FAR more in-depth and comprehensive than any of those online autism tests.
There was a section on school experiences, plus sections to screen for ADHD, anxiety, depression and manic episodes.
I actually enjoyed answering the questions — even though several made me feel as though I was leaking too much information about myself.
But this is what you must do if you want an official, clinical diagnosis of your “suspected” ASD.
The Autism Assessment
For some people, the self-diagnosis is good enough.
But for others, their self-assessment will always leave them wondering — a lingering sense that maybe they have “something else” that mimics autism.
There’s only one way to know for sure: a formal evaluation — and even then, you can still be misdiagnosed.
This is why it’s important to vet several psychological services to see which one stands out as the most proficient.
The clinic I chose offered three prices, with the most expensive ($2,100) being for an evaluation done by a full-fledged clinical psychologist with a doctorate.
You’ll want to make sure that your examiner is a licensed clinical psychologist with all of their schooling complete, rather than a “licensed psychologist candidate” or a “doctoral level intern.” Yes, ASK ABOUT THIS.
I was told that the psychologist I’d be getting was very knowledgeable about masking and coping mechanisms, and being female, she was aware of how autism can be missed among women more than with men.
Misdiagnoses happen all the time — for both mental and physical health issues.
People with physical ailments are always encouraged to get second, even third opinions.
This concept should not be any different for mental health or psychological concerns.
If the diagnosis doesn’t feel right, then SEEK A SECOND OPINION.
And when I say “right,” I don’t mean that of hearing, “There’s nothing wrong with you.”
I mean hearing something that…just doesn’t sound believable for your situation and history. Your gut will tell you!
My mother slipped and fell while bowling. The pain in her knee wouldn’t go away.
She saw a doctor who told her to just rest it, put ice on it and take a painkiller.
But the pain persisted. This doctor told her she did not need an MRI.
She sought a second opinion; the doctor immediately ordered an MRI, which revealed a torn meniscus; she needed debridement surgery.
Lesson learned: Doctors can misdiagnose.
An ophthalmologist once told me that, due to bacterial conjunctivitis, I’d never again be able to wear contact lenses.
I immediately went to a second eye doctor who said nothing of the sort.
After a course of antibiotics cured the infection, I resumed wearing contact lenses for years and never had more than an occasional bout of very minor inflammation — nothing that prevented me from wearing contacts. Eventually I had LASIK.
So you see, ANY kind of doctor can miss something or yield the wrong diagnosis.
Have it in your head, ahead of time, the backup plan of a second opinion.
This psychologist ultimately diagnosed me with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
