How do you prefer to spend your free time?
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Do you find social interactions draining?
Do you like doing things the same way?
How would you describe your communication style?
Do you like to do things the same way over and over again?
Do you find it easy to pick up on non-verbal cues, like body language?
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Do you often get so absorbed in one thing you forget about everything else?
Do you have trouble understanding common expressions, figures of speech, puns, or sarcasm?
Do you find it hard to keep a conversation going?
How would you describe your ability to empathize with others?
Do you have your "rituals" or habits that must be performed no matter what, making you upset if something disrupts them?
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Do you hate it when your routine gets disrupted?
Are you more sensitive than other people to sensory triggers such as light, sounds, or textures?
Are you comfortable with changes in your daily environment?
How do you handle sarcasm or figurative language?
Are you highly organized and prefer structured plans?
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Do you have sensory sensitivities, such as to textures or smells?
Have you ever been told something you've said was rude, even though you didn't mean it that way?
Are you anxious in new situations?
Do you get fixated on certain things, for example, hobbies or interests?
Is it easy for you to "read between the lines" or figure out people's true intentions?
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When engaging in a conversation, how often do you make eye contact?
How do you handle changes in routine?
Do you have strong, focused interests or hobbies?
Do you prefer to do things with others rather than solo?
How do you typically feel in social situations?
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How do you handle transitions between tasks or activities?
Do you tend to be awkward in social situations?
How do you react to loud noises or bright lights?
Do you have a particular interest in numbers, dates, or strings of information?
Do you often catch yourself repeating words or phrases?
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Is it easy for you to relate to other people and their emotions?
How do you react to unexpected events or surprises?
Do you have any of the following conditions: ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia?
Do you have trouble maintaining eye contact?
Have you ever wondered if you had autism spectrum disorder? We prepared a quiz for everyone who might benefit from an autism evaluation. The test includes 20 questions that will help you determine whether you are autistic or not.
Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty communicating and difficulty interacting with others. It affects the way a person thinks, behaves, and communicates.
Autism exists in a range because it can manifest in a variety of ways depending on the person. Sensorial, social, and communication demands for autistic individuals can present across a spectrum from high to low.
There are behavior patterns characteristic of an autistic person. Not every individual with autism will display all of the behaviors, but for a doctor to make a diagnosis, several signs will be present.
Some of the signs and symptoms of autism include:
avoiding eye contact. A person with autism can have difficulties maintaining eye contact during conversation. For some people, it might mean no eye contact at all, and for others, it means too much eye contact.
the trouble with adapting when anything in your routine changes
preferring to be alone because social interactions are draining and confusing
repetitive actions, getting stuck in repeating words or phrases
not understanding common expressions, sarcasm, or puns
having trouble understanding feelings. You struggle to understand other people’s emotions. You might also have an issue with relating to people around you or have no interest in them at all
extreme sensitivity to light, sounds, temperature, or textures
trouble expressing your needs
specific and niche interests you get intensely focused on
physical ticks
lactose intolerance. Recent studies have shown a link between being lactose intolerant and people with autism. If you’re lactose intolerant and observed any of the above symptoms in yourself, you might want to check in with a specialist.
There is no single cause for autism. Researchers determined certain characteristics that may increase a person’s odds of developing the disorder. These include having older parents, having an autistic sibling, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or Rett syndrome.
You can spot early signs of autism in small children. An earlier evaluation will benefit them greatly, so it’s crucial to be observant.
Some symptoms in a child include:
no babbling or pointing at things by age 1
not speaking single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2
poor eye contact
not responding to their name
talking or babbling in the same tone and pitch
no smiling or other engaging expressions
losing skills they’re previously acquired
engaging in repetitive behaviors, such as rocking, flapping their hands, twirling their fingers, or repeating the same phrases or sounds
fixating on certain activities
not engaging in pretend play
struggling with making friends
How is autism diagnosed? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives a recommendation for screenings for developmental delays during routine well-child visits at 9, 18, and 39 months old. There are screening tools available such as questionnaires, behavior scales, and checklists for symptoms.
If a screening tool suggests developmental delays or signs of autism, a child will be referred to a specialist. It can be a child psychologist or a developmental pediatrician.
A specialist might observe a child’s behavior, social skills, communication, play, and repetitive behavior. They will interview the parents about the child’s current and past behavior that might indicate autism. They might also conduct a 15-question test, called Childhood Autism Rating Scale Second Edition (CARS-2) to help them differentiate between autism and conditions.
Additionally, specialists might evaluate a child’s motor skills, vision and hearing, language, and cognition.
In some cases, medical testing could be necessary. These tools include:
genetic testing, including the chromosomal microarray (CMA) that looks for extra or missing segments of DNA to diagnose chromosomal conditions, and a test for fragile X syndrome
lead screening to test for lead exposure
other tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) to diagnose seizure disorders, or tests for metabolic disorders
There are no ASD diagnostic criteria for adults at the moment. However, the existing DSM-5 criteria can be modified and applied to this age group.
Clinicians diagnose adults with ASD primarily through in-person interactions and observations. They also take into account any symptoms that the person reports.
Several types of therapy exist that can support you with existing issues. These include:
speech-language therapy to help with both verbal and non-verbal (hand signals, sign language, or picture symbols) communication
occupational therapy to aid with day-to-day tasks
social skills training to teach conversation skills and social-emotional learning
sensory integration therapy to help with the regulation of sensory information
cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, to help with social situations and recognizing feelings
Exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and getting enough sleep can help you improve your overall health and deal with your autistic traits better.
Are you on the autism spectrum? Find out with our quiz! If you suspect you are autistic, please check in with a specialist. Our test is for fun only!