Autism

Am I autistic?

You may be wondering if you are autistic. Perhaps you have read something about autism, or seen a programme on TV, and think it describes some of your own experiences.

It’s quite common for people to have gone through life without an autism diagnosis, feeling that somehow they don’t quite fit in. Many people learn to cope with life in their own ways, although this can be hard work.

It is up to you whether you decide to seek a diagnosis, and some people are happy to remain self-diagnosed. The only way to know for sure whether you are autistic is to get a formal diagnosis.

If you would like to complete an Autism Assessment, please click on the box below and complete the questionnaire. The surgery will review your answers and be in touch.

For further information, click on the links below

http://Signs of autism in adults – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

http://Adults (autism.org.uk)

Autism Spectrum Assessment

SCORING: Only 1 point can be scored for each question. Score 1 point for Definitely or Slightly agree on each of items 1, 7, 8, and 10. Score 1 point for Definitely or Slightly Disagree on each of items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9. If the individual scores more than 6 out of 10, consider referring them for a specialist diagnostic assessment. This test is recommended in ‘Autism: recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum’ (NICE clinical guideline CG142). www.nice.org.uk/CG142 Key reference: Allison C, Auyeung B, and Baron-Cohen S, (2012) Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 51(2):202-12

I often notice small sounds when others do not.
I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than the small details.
I find it easy to do more than one thing at once.
If there is an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly.
I find it easy to ‘read between the lines’ when someone is talking to me.
I know how to tell if someone listening to me is getting bored.
When I’m reading a story I find it difficult to work out the characters’ intentions.
I like to collect information about categories of things (e.g. types of car, bird, train, plant etc.)
I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.
I find it difficult to work out people’s intentions.