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CoachV

Hi from Canada Slight smile I'm, 57/m.

After several years of family, friends, and parents of kids who live with autism telling me I may be on the spectrum, I took some tests (all online, to be clear; I don't have the money or the care to go through a formal diagnosis as an adult).

Anyway, it seems I'm a 33 on the ASQ, 137 on the RAADS-R, and 143 on the CAT-Q. I told my wife, and she took the same tests to get a barometer - she's pretty normal, so I guess we aren't completely screwed Slight smile A few quick questions for you nice folks:

1. Is this form of self-diagnosis/identification valid?

2. I coach kids: If you're a parent of one of them, and you find out I'm on the spectrum, would you be cool with that?

3. I have a high IQ, but I score at the top of the scale for masking and compensation -- does that resonate with anyone else out there?

Thank you!

- CoachV

Parents

  • Hi CoachV and welcome to the community!

    Many of us here are "late realised" and/or "late diagnosed", so you're in good company! :)

    Whilst the survey results that you've shared could well be consistent with autism, the professionals involved in assessments also consider a lot of additional information. It's also worth noting that recent research has also thrown doubt on the clinical validity of the RAADS-R as a screening tool.

    If you haven't yet seen them, you might like to read through the various resources in the NAS's recently revamped diagnosis hub:

    NAS - diagnosis hub

    They cover all stages of the process, with each section containing several articles relating to that stage:

    • Before diagnosis
    • Assessment and diagnosis 
    • After diagnosis 

    For example, including:

    NAS - Signs that a child or adult may be autistic

    NAS - Deciding whether to seek an autism assessment

    NAS - Criteria and tools used in an autism assessment

    Of course, with the NAS being a UK-based charity, the resources and further links are also UK-focused.

    Whilst we have many international members here (all of whom are very welcome!), you might also find it helpful to join a peer-to-peer forum for autistic adults in Canada, where members might be better placed to advise you about any practical benefits of seeking a formal diagnosis (vs self-diagnosis) in the context of your national laws, etc. 

  • in reply to Bunny

    Thank you  Slight smile Your point re: RAADS-R struck me, as I found that particular test a bit peculiar, given the need to assess a 'me' from 40 or more years ago.

    To be honest, when I Googled 'adult autistic chat groups,' this was one of the top hits. That's how I landed on a UK site from Canada. Thx for letting me stick around and I will follow your advice to check out Canadian groups.

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  • in reply to Bunny

    Thank you  Slight smile Your point re: RAADS-R struck me, as I found that particular test a bit peculiar, given the need to assess a 'me' from 40 or more years ago.

    To be honest, when I Googled 'adult autistic chat groups,' this was one of the top hits. That's how I landed on a UK site from Canada. Thx for letting me stick around and I will follow your advice to check out Canadian groups.

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