Why diagnostic accuracy in adult autism matters

It is important that an autism assessment and diagnosis are robust and compliant with the applicable standards because several other conditions can present in adults similarly to autism, and a correct diagnosis ensures appropriate support and treatment. Many adults seeking diagnosis might have developed coping mechanisms and strategies throughout their lives, may have experienced subtle or masked symptoms making the autism profile complex and sometimes overlapping with conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, CPTSD, personality disorders, or other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions.

Misdiagnosis can lead to serious consequences, including receiving treatments that do not address the root cause of an individual’s difficulties or failing to provide the right kind of support. For example, someone misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of autism may be prescribed medications or therapies targeting those conditions, which might not improve - or could even worsen - their well-being. Misdiagnosis can also delay access to appropriate interventions, social support, and accommodations that are tailored to autism, leading to ongoing struggles with mental health, relationships, employment, and quality of life. Conversely, someone with complex trauma might present with social withdrawal, sensory hypervigilance, and rigid safety routines that could be misinterpreted as autism traits in a superficial assessment, leading to autism-focused interventions that fail to address the underlying trauma.

An inadequate assessment can result in years of ineffective treatment, continued distress, and missed opportunities for appropriate support that addresses the person's actual needs.