Getting an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult in Canada
- Kaitlyn Boudreault
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Autism is a widely recognized neurodevelopmental difference, with current statistics suggesting that approximately 1-2% of the Canadian population identifies as autistic.
Despite how prevalent autism is, getting an autism diagnosis can be complicated, and many individuals do not receive an autism diagnosis until adulthood.
In childhood, many diagnoses are missed due to various factors, including the fact that some children may not exhibit the stereotypical signs of autism. Moreover, because autism was assumed to be more common in boys and men, particularly white cis boys and men, many autistic girls, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals went undiagnosed.
If you believe you were undiagnosed, you may begin to explore the possibility of a diagnosis as an adult. This can be especially true as you start to consider if autism runs in your family, gain a deeper understanding of your challenges, and reflect on whether it may be a contributing factor.
Seeking an autism diagnosis can offer several benefits, such as helping you access necessary accommodations, which can support you in the classroom, workplace, or community. It may also open the door to support, such as neurodiversity-affirming therapy and coaching.
However, the decision to pursue a diagnosis is entirely up to you and what fits your needs.
Let’s dive into what autism is, the traits associated with it, the professionals who can diagnose it, and how to navigate the diagnostic process as an adult.
Autism is a neurological difference and form of neurodivergence.
The brains of autistic individuals process information and interact with the world differently, which can present unique strengths alongside challenges.
It manifests through various traits, including difficulties with communication, sensitivity to rejection, repetitive behaviours, and challenges with social interactions.
Due to the wide range of traits and their varying severity, autism is described as a "spectrum,” meaning that there are different challenges and severity levels for these challenges.
Classified as chronic, autism may impact day-to-day functioning and impact school, interpersonal relationships, and home life. Adults, in particular, may experience difficulties in the workplace, often related to navigating a world that was not built for neurodivergence.
What Are the Traits of Autism?
Autism manifests through a range of traits that can dramatically vary from person to person. Common traits among autistic individuals include:
Communication and social interaction challenges, which can manifest as
Difficulty understanding social cues
Aversion of eye contact
Scripted speech
Interpreting abstract ideas literally
Challenges with making or maintaining friendships
Nonspeaking
Difficulty understanding or interpreting emotions
Repetitive behaviours, which can show up as
Challenges with coping with change
Being focused on one or a few subjects (special interests) to the exclusion of others
Intense focus on specific subjects that make redirecting attention difficult
Engaging in specific routines or rituals
Difficulty handling new experiences
Stimming movements, such as hand flapping, hair twisting, rocking, or spinning
Arranging things in a particular order
On top of these traits, autistic individuals may also experience
Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory inputs, such as sounds, lights, or textures
Executive Functioning Challenges: Difficulty with planning, organization, memory, and concentration
Hygiene Challenges: Difficulty with showering or brushing your teeth due to sensory sensitivities or challenges with change
Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotional responses
Autistic Inertia: Difficulty initiating or changing tasks
Low motivation due to having to navigate a world that is not built for neurodivergence.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria; Experiencing strong physical and emotional pain to real or perceived rejection or criticism.
Masking: Autistic individuals may hide their autistic traits to match social norms.
Autistic individuals are also more likely to experience concurrent diagnoses with anxiety bipolar disorder, and depression.
Getting Diagnosed with Autism as an Adult
Here is a step-by-step guide to pursuing an autism diagnosis as an adult:
Step 1: Seek Out a Healthcare Professional
Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or general practitioner should be your first point of contact to begin your assessment process. If they have experience diagnosing autism, they may be able to provide you with a diagnosis that could be covered by your provincial health insurance.
If they do not feel competent enough in diagnosing autism, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, depending on your specific needs and financial circumstances.
A diagnosis by a psychiatrist is covered by provincial health insurance plans in Canada, but these assessments can have a long waitlist.
Psychological assessments can be costly and are usually not covered by provincial health insurance plans, but they usually are more accessible in terms of not having a waitlist.
If funds are an issue for you and you have a disability, consider disability grants, such as the Bursary for Students with Disabilities.
Once you have an idea of what healthcare professional you want to see, you can then seek further steps to getting an autism diagnosis.
Step 2: Determine Cost
If you are seeking a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or your general practitioner, it may be covered by your provincial health insurance plan; verify this with your healthcare provider.
If you can afford a private autism assessment, costs can range but typically do run in the thousands. Factors such as location and the extent of the assessment will influence pricing. We recommend scheduling free consultations with several providers to find the best fit.
Step 3: Book an Appointment
Once you have determined the cost and have chosen a practitioner, schedule your appointment via phone, email, or an online booking system, depending on the provider's preferences.
Step 4: Gather All Relevant Information
Now that your appointment is booked, prepare for your appointment by collecting pertinent information, such as:
Current concerns and their impact on your functioning
Medical history
Report cards and any previous assessments
Family history regarding autism or related conditions
Lifestyle history and any previous mental health diagnoses
Any past cognitive tests
Bringing comprehensive documentation can greatly assist the provider in making an informed diagnosis.
Blue Sky Learning’s Partners
Blue Sky Learning collaborates with a neuro-affirming clinic that can provide autism assessments virtually in Ontario, Canada, or in-person in Toronto. Here’s a brief overview of this clinic:
Fusion Psychological Services
Fusion Psychological Services offers a range of psychological and neuropsychological services psychological assessments and neuropsychological assessments.
Cost: Varies
Contact email: hello@fusionpsychservices.ca
Website: https://fusionpsychservices.ca/
Book a free consultation with Blue Sky Learning’s AuDHD coach Em/Kim (they/them) to secure a sliding scale rate for Blue Sky Learning ASD coaching services.
Book a Free Consultation With Blue Sky Learning
At Blue Sky Learning, the team embodies compassion, empathy, and a person-centered approach, providing various opportunities for students, professionals, parents, and educators to address individual concerns and growth areas. The mission is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood, reducing stigma and empowering personal growth.
If you’re a neurodivergent individual considering an autism assessment or seeking support from an autism coach or therapist, Blue Sky Learning can help. Book a free 20-minute consultation with one of the team members by emailing hello@blueskylearning.ca or visiting the website.
Sources
Canadian Medical Association Journal. (2019). Prevalence of autism in Canada. Retrieved from CMAJ
Gould, J., et al. (2011). “Identification of autism spectrum disorders in school-aged children: a review.” International Journal of Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(5), 1449-1458.
Hassan, S., et al. (2020). “Challenges faced by adults with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative study.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 75, 101566.
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