--- title: "How to Get Tested for Autism as an Adult: A Brief Guide" description: Wondering how to get tested for autism as an adult? Allow NeuroNav to break down the process for you in this simple guide. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/169.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tested-autism-adult#main-content) [![nn\_logo\_wide\_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Neurodiversity & Disability Education](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/neurodiversity-disability-education) # How to Get Tested for Autism as an Adult: A Brief Guide ![A woman sits on a couch and across a coffee table from a medical professional in an office setting](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/169.jpg) As you get older and reflect on your childhood, you start to notice some patterns in your former behaviors. Feelings and habits that seemed normal to you at the time may stick out and leave you wondering whether you’re neurodivergent or have autism spectrum disorder. If this situation describes you, know that plenty of people your age are thinking the same thoughts. Autism rates across all age groups have risen dramatically over the past 20 years, and young adults (26–34) have seen diagnosis rates rise the most, at [450 percent](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825472) between 2011 and 2022. In this short guide, we break down how to get [tested for autism as an adult](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/late-diagnosis-autism) and share useful tips to help you through the process. ## How Do I Know if I Should Get Tested in the First Place? Oftentimes, people suspect they have always had autism after reading about other people’s experiences with the condition and applying it to their lives. Sometimes, loved ones or friends voice their opinions, which can prompt testing for autism. If you believe you may have autism, there are few, if any, major downsides to getting tested. The financial burden can be large, but as we’ll discuss below, various programs can offset it. Completing these three tests can give you a good idea of whether you might have autism: - [Autism Spectrum Quotient](https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient) (AQ test) - [RAADS-R test](https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/#test) - [CAT-Q autism assessment](https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/#test) Each test measures different things, and many medical professionals use all three at the start of the testing process. No matter how highly your scores correlate with an autism diagnosis, though, they’re not meant to take the place of a comprehensive screening process or the opinion(s) of doctors and specialists. ## Autism Testing for Adults: Getting Started The first person you should talk to about your autism suspicions is your primary care physician (PCP). They’ll probably ask a few preliminary questions and may order physical tests (like blood panels) to rule out other conditions. Most likely, your PCP will refer you to a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or psychiatrist who specializes in autism testing. If you disagree with your PCP’s opinion, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. ### How to Get Tested for Autism as an Adult: The Actual Testing Process Unfortunately, getting the referral is usually the easiest part of the autism testing process. You might have to wait several months—or even more than a year—to see a specialist. When the appointment comes, the specialist will have you complete one or more pre-screening questionnaires we discussed earlier if you have not already. They’ll probably ask for school and medical records, as well. After they gather a lot of background information, they’ll conduct structured interviews that assess how you behave around other people and the ways you approach school or work, among other things. Finally, after several visits, they’ll present their findings to you and may give you a formal diagnosis. They might diagnose you with a different condition that has overlapping traits with autism, like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or a learning difference. ## Does Insurance Cover Autism Testing for Adults? Your health insurance *may* cover all or part of the costs of autism testing. That answer might not be the most helpful for you, but coverage and benefits can differ significantly based on where you live and what type of insurance you have. State-regulated insurance plans, like those offered through the marketplace, are generally required to cover a significant portion of the costs. Employer-sponsored plans, though, aren’t subject to the same regulations. Medicaid coverage varies across states; [Medi-Cal](https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal-resources/behavioral-health-treatment/) generally covers autism testing for adults. In any case, get a specialist referral from your PCP, make sure the testing is deemed “medically necessary,” and confirm through your insurance provider that the specialist is in network. Checking both of those boxes can increase the chances that you’ll get help from your insurance plan. ## Why Should I Get Tested for Autism if I’ve Already Self-Diagnosed? If you’re pretty sure you have autism, you may be tempted to rely on your self-diagnosis without seeing medical professionals. It certainly makes sense, as the testing process can be long and mentally taxing, but a formal diagnosis can unlock a wealth of resources. For instance: - You have access to comprehensive [informational guides](https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide) and established frameworks to better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. - Your diagnosis could pave the way for reasonable accommodations at work or school as provided by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). - Public benefits, like [SSI](https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm), SSDI, or Medicaid, might become available to you. Beyond monetary benefits, a formal diagnosis of autism can validate things you’ve been struggling with and connect you with peers who are navigating similar challenges. ## Explore Your Autism Support Options with NeuroNav Yet another public program for Californians with autism is the **Self-Determination Program** (SDP). SDP lets participants use regional center funds to access a wide range of services and supports, including vocational services, occupational therapy, community integration support, and life planning/coaching. The goal of SDP is to give you the tools to live life on your terms. Just like everyone else, you have goals and dreams you’d like to achieve. Why not you? NeuroNav has a team of experienced [independent facilitators](https://neuronav.org/families) whose sole purpose is to guide participants through SDP enrollment, renewal, and maintenance. If you’re even a little bit curious about our services, schedule a [free consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) at your convenience. ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? Embark on your Self-Determination journey with confidence. Request your free consultation with NeuroNav and discover the personalized support waiting for you. [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) Subscribe for ### Interested in More Insights? Stay in the loop with the latest from our blog. Sign up now and never miss out on empowering stories, tips, and updates. 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If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-27T11:41:00.693Z", "datePublished" : "2026-10-27T11:41:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Get Tested for Autism as an Adult: A Brief Guide", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/169.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tested-autism-adult", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Neurodiversity PBC" } } ```