Take the quick Autism test...
Although our free Asperger’s test is not a medical diagnosis, it will be able to help you identify if your symptoms are big enough to impact your life, and whether or not you should take the next steps. Having taken the test and receiving your test results, you may choose to continue further action either through your GP or proceed with any of our full medial diagnosis options.
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Seeking a formal diagnosis
The purpose of our online test is to give an indication of symptoms of autism (formerly Asperger’s), and should be treated as a simple screening. It is not a diagnosis tool, but can be helpful in signalling the possible need for a formal diagnosis. A formal and clinical diagnosis can open the door to further support and guidance.
Your research into suspected Asperger’s may well lead you to seek a formal autism diagnosis, which is something that the neurodiversity diagnosis organisations that we're partnered with can facilitate. These trusted teams can go beyond simply putting a label to your traits; they give you the formal autism diagnosis you need to put you in touch with further support and resources.
Following a formal diagnosis, Exceptional Individuals can help you seek help in the workplace, such as workplace adjustments. We can also connect you with neuroinclusive job opportunities, and help you seek a Workplace Needs Assessment.
What is Asperger’s - and why is it now called autism?
Today, the term ‘Asperger’s’, named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, is no longer an appropriate term within the medical field or as an official diagnosis. Asperger’s was once a separate diagnosis describing autistic people with average or above-average intelligence and no significant language delay. However, research showed that there was no clear distinction between Asperger’s and other forms of autism, so it is now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), to make understanding and support easier to access. We have produced a webinar on the controversial history of Asperger.
This said, we understand that some individuals still use this term, and are seeking information around it. Therefore, we are here to provide support, understanding, and education to everyone.
This label was historically used to describe individuals with autism who also didn’t have any overt or easily noticeable language or cognitive delays.
What is an Asperger's quiz and who is it for?
An Asperger's quiz is a means for individuals who experience symptoms of autism to assess whether they ought to receive a more formal medical diagnosis.
At Exceptional Individuals, we’ve created a simple and supportive tool written by neurodiversity specialists to highlight whether you’re showing any signs of Asperger’s. This is a free assessment for anyone who believes they have been displaying signs like struggling with interpreting social cues, sensory sensitivities, or people who have simply always felt a bit ‘different’. But because autism is a spectrum disorder, individual traits will differ from person to person.
Signs of autism (previously known as Asperger’s) that may warrant a formal diagnosis
The autism spectrum describes a range of neurodevelopmental differences, which can affect how people process information, interact with others, and communicate. Traits can vary wildly between individuals; in some cases, those with autism live independently, whilst others need more support. This is why it’s called a spectrum; everyone experiences it differently.
As Asperger’s has now been defined as being part of the autism spectrum, the traits align with those of autism. For example:
- Difficulty understanding people’s feelings and emotions.
- Difficulty with social situations, finding them challenging and/or unenjoyable.
- Not being able to notice or understand social cues well.
- Unintentionally coming across as blunt, rude, or uninterested in other people.
- Finding it hard to say how you feel.
- Taking things too literally, g. not understanding sarcasm.
- Feeling anxious when your routine changes or is unexpectedly broken.
- Avoiding eye contact.
- Having an intense interest in only certain subjects or activities.
- Noticing small details and patterns that aren’t obvious to others.
- Sensory and/or environmental sensitivity
Remember, however, that every autistic individual is unique, and the way autism presents for one person can appear much different from the way it appears in another.
What is the process for diagnosing autism (previously Asperger’s) in adults?
The journey to a formal diagnosis will be slightly different for everyone, but in terms of gaining a formal diagnosis, the pathway for adults looks something like this:
An initial appointment
At an initial appointment with a professional, which can be a GP, you can discuss your symptoms in order for them to decide whether an autism assessment should be pursued. If so, your GP may do a preliminary assessment, and will then refer you to a specialist team. Seeking a formal autism diagnosis is possible both on the NHS, and privately. In some cases, you may be asked to complete a pre-assessment questionnaire, which can ask your behaviours, and your developmental history.
A multi-disciplinary assessment
At the next stage, a psychiatrist or psychologist will interview you, and potentially your family, as well as observe your behaviour, and assess their findings using standardised tools. Those tools can include ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), or ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised).
A diagnostic decision
The clinical team will then reach a decision using the DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria, and a feedback session will be the space in which you learn the outcome. They will also be provided with a diagnostic report that contains your diagnosis, some recommendations, and some support suggestions.
Post-diagnosis support
Post-diagnosis support includes being signposted to support services, benefits, educational or occupational support, and therapy.
How much does a formal autism (previously Asperger’s) diagnosis cost privately?
The costs will vary depending on the provider, but in our experience it can cost between £600–£1200 GBP (approximately $770–$1,550 USD).