Adult Autism Assessment: A Neurodiversity-Affirmative Approach

The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook
Cover
Of related interest
Title Page
Copyright
Acknowledgements
Contents
1. Introduction
Who We Are and Why We Are Writing This Book
An Introduction to Autism Assessment
Declaration of Privilege
2. Language Guide
Key Neuro-Affirmative Terminology (with a Focus on Autistic Neurology)
Introduction
Use ‘Autistic Person’, Not ‘Person with Autism’
Just Call It ‘Autism’, Not ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’, ‘ASD’, ‘Autism Spectrum Condition’ or ‘ASC’
Use ‘Disabled Person’, Not ‘Person with a Disability’
Talk about ‘High’ or ‘Low’ Support Needs in Specific Areas, Not ‘High’ or ‘Low Functioning’
Other Ableist Language to Avoid
Further Recommended Reading
3. A Brief History of Autistic People and the Neurodiversity Movement
Introduction
The 1940s, ‘Bad Parenting’
The 1960s and 1970s, Genetics and a Spectrum
The 1980s, and Applied Behaviour Analysis
The 1980s and 1990s, Self-Advocating and the Internet
The 1990s and 2000s, and the Neurodiversity Movement
Controversy
The 2000s to Today, Steps Forward and Back
Common Criticisms of the Neurodiversity Movement
4. Understanding Autistic People
Ableism and Why It Is the Core Issue in Need of Addressing
Ableism and Autistic People
The Medical, Social and Biopsychosocial Models of Disability
Is Being Autistic Disabling?
Morality, Empathy and Compassion
Current Diagnostic Criteria for Autism
What Does It Mean to Be Autistic?
Why Is It So Important for Autistic People to Recognize That They are Autistic?
Self-Identification
5. Theories of Autistic Neurology
Introduction
A Brief Overview of Some of the Theories of Autistic Neurology
6. Autistic Perception
Introduction
The Eight Senses
Sensory Processing Systems
The Process of All-Human Perception
Practice-Based Recommendations
7. What Does It Mean to Be Neuro-Affirmative?
Introduction
Ways to Be Neuro-Affirmative
8. Current Adult Autism Assessment Guidelines
Introduction
American and Canadian Guidelines
UK NICE Guidelines
Australian Guidelines
Scottish SIGN Guidelines
9. Medical Model Assessments
Introduction
Screeners
Tests
Reports
Power Dynamics
Involving Caregivers and Early History
Cognitive Assessments
10. Important Considerations
Intersectionality
Cultural Competence
Women
Masking or Camouflaging
Later Years of Life
LGBTQIA+/Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversities
Gender Variance
Trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
‘Borderline Personality Disorder’
Intellectual Disability
Anxiety
Co-Occurring Mood Disorders
Eating Disorders
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Alexithymia
Assisting Communication/Non-Speaking Autistic People
Medical Issues
Specific Learning Difficulties: Dyslexia
Specific Learning Difficulties: Dyscalculia
Specific Learning Difficulties: Developmental Co-Ordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
11. How to Make Your Assessment Accessible
Barriers to Accessing Assessment
How to Make Your Assessment Accessible
12. How to Conduct a Neuro-Affirmative Assessment
Introduction
The Importance of Autistic and Neurodivergent Professionals Being an Integral Part of the Team
Assessment as a Therapeutic Process
People are Collaborative Partners within the Assessment Process
Consent
Screening Questionnaires
Session Amount, Length and Content
Pre-Assessment Consultation
Session One
Session Two
Final Assessment Session
Post-Assessment Support
Gathering and Interpreting Information
Involving Family Members and/or Others in the Assessment Process
Reports, Letters and Documents 
Applying for Welfare Payments (e.g., Disability Allowance, Personal Independence Payment)
Considering Previous Diagnoses
Support When Being Autistic Is Not Identified
Reflections for Clinicians within the Process
13. Post-Assessment Support and Recommendations
Introduction
How Best to Signpost and Support People Post Assessment
Recommendations for Adapting the Journey
Recommendations for First Contact
Recommendations for Co-Creating Therapeutic Goals
Recommendations for Measuring Outcomes
Appendix 1: The Neuro-Affirmative Language Guide
Appendix 2: Making Zoom More Comfortable for You
Appendix 3: Looking After Myself Plan
Appendix 4: Workplace Accommodations Self-Reflection Exercise
Appendix 5: Neuro-Affirmative Autistic Criteria Mapping Document
Appendix 6: Healthcare Passport for Autistic Adults
Appendix 7: Autism COVID-19 Individual Health Action Plan, Universal Format
References
About the Authors
Subject Index
Author Index