Autistic adults, professionals
Looking for Autism Assessment for Adults?
Currently, in BC, there are no publicly funded systems for adults that are specifically designed to assess or diagnose autism; however, you could try a few of the following:
- Look at any private assessment options* that may be available. There is a significant cost ($3000-5000) for individuals to access a private autism assessment.
- With private assessment those who have health benefits you can access your Psychologist funds and use them to support fees. If one uses benefits near the end of benefits fiscal year, alongside assessment appointments, then carry over to next fiscal year, you can often then have most of your assessment largely covered by your medical plan.
We are aware of a few rare cases where some people have accessed additional funding support for an adult autism assessment. We list them here as alternative options with a disclaimer as these are much less clear pathways to assessment support:
- Contact your local mental health services and inquire about any support services they can offer. Individuals receiving counselling from local mental health services can sometimes get an assessment paid for.
- Inquire at a local job placement agency—some have programs that assist with an assessment.
- Contact your local Community Living BC (CLBC) for office information and support.
- Connect with peers that may offer support, lived experiences, or other possible options for an autism assessment.
- A family physician or GP — could technically give a referral to a Psychiatrist who can bill MSP (BC Medical Service Plan) – However, AutismBC is not aware of any Psychiatrist in the province who feels trained or comfortable assessing or diagnosing autism in adults.
Current Private Assessment Options in BC
For an up-to-date list of autism assessment providers, please reach out to us through our contact form.
Note: AutismBC does not oversee Private Clinicians. We provide a list to assist with making informed decisions. Please do your own due diligence when choosing an assessor. This is not an exhaustive list.
Find a Registered Psychologist—BC Psychological Association (BCPA)
Self-Assessment Tools/Screening Tools
Autism Canada—The Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Age 16 +. Please Note: This test is not currently mobile-friendly. Please take it on a computer or tablet with a larger screen.
The Diagnostic Assessment Process in BC
There is no standardized process for diagnosing autism in adults. In BC, clinicians adapt the diagnostic measures that were initially designed for children when diagnosing adults, and there are four components:
- The first part is a structured observation called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). It is an interactive discussion, and diagnosticians observe how the individual behaves in social situations.
- The second part is Developmental History. Clinicians talk to a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or a relative to gather information about a person’s history. They may also try to gather other records, such as school report cards, videos, journals, etc.
- The third component is a series of questionnaires for the adult and an informant who knows the adult well. The clinician would ask more questions about the adult’s history, experience, what they remember from their childhood, and what is happening to them now in the workplace or at school.
- The fourth component is a thorough timeline of the individual’s vocational history. For adults, clinicians are looking to see their strengths and challenges in the workplace (Iarocci, 2021).
Why is adult diagnosis important?
Currently, in British Columbia, there is no system tracking the number of adult autism diagnoses. About 2.5% of children in BC have an autism diagnosis, which translates to about 100,000 adults in the province who may meet the criteria for autism. However, a vast number of these adults did not receive a diagnosis as children due to their higher cognitive skills, gender issues and other mental health issues overshadowing what we now know as an autism profile. While some diagnosed adults may apply for Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Person with Disabilities (PWD) status, the majority of adults seek a diagnosis for personal validation and self-understanding (Worling, 2021).
Why self identification is valid:
Before diagnosis, the pathway to understanding is the first step in self-awareness. What happens when an adult simply cannot navigate the systems we have in place for diagnosis? Or are unable to afford private assessment? Maybe it just doesn’t feel safe for you? Unfortunately many of us may experience this as a reality. You are the only one who knows what it’s like to live life in your body and mind. While official diagnosis may come with many benefits, it’s not the only way to support yourself as an autistic adult. It’s perfectly valid to build accommodations in your daily life that help to support you. In fact you may realize you already built many supports in knowingly and unknowingly. Many autistic online support groups recognize self identified autistics and can be great places for gaining insight on ways to support yourself at home, at work and within your community. It can be painful and confusing to wonder if you’re “actually autistic” and to never officially have “proof.” Regardless of a diagnosis, everyone deserves to live in a way that feels authentic to them. If you relate to autistic traits, there is nothing wrong with caring for yourself in a way that supports your best health and needs. Read our article on self identification here.
Peer Connections
Getting Together on the Spectrum: AutismBC — Connect with peers that may offer support, lived experiences, or other possible options for an autism assessment.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Autistic Adults of the Okanagan
Mental Health Resources
Autism Mental Health Literacy Project (AM-Help) – Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism to increase awareness and share knowledge around issues related to Autistic mental health.
Interior Health Authority: Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Island Health: Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Fraser Health Authority: Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Northern Health: Mental Health & Substance Use
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH): Mental Health Services
Autism BC Theme Resources: Autism Mental Health
Autistic Lens: Reasons Autism Self Diagnosis is Valid
AutismBC Highlights: Natalie Engelbrecht and Embrace Autism
In the News
BC’s Autism Assessment Process is Slow and Expensive
Looking for More Adult Resources?
Autistic Adulting — AutismBC Resource Blog
Housing Supports for Autistic Adults — AutismBC Resource Blog
Autism BC Talks Adult Diagnosis — AutismBC Information Session 2021
Autism Q&A: Transitioning into Adulthood — AutismBC Resource Blog
Autism BC Talks with Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) — AutismBC Information Session 2021
Autism BC Talks Adult Diagnosis with Dr. Grace Iarocci and Dr. David Worling
