Autism test: how adults can get tested for autism spectrum disorder, signs and symptoms, and what causes it

Paddy McGuinness will appear in BBC documentary Our Family and Autism after his wife Christine was diagnosed with the condition
Paddy McGuinness and wife Christine appeared in the BBC documentary Our Family and Autism. (Credit: Getty)Paddy McGuinness and wife Christine appeared in the BBC documentary Our Family and Autism. (Credit: Getty)
Paddy McGuinness and wife Christine appeared in the BBC documentary Our Family and Autism. (Credit: Getty)

Paddy McGuinness and wife Christine McGuinness opened up about their experiences with autism in BBC documentary called Our Family and Autism after they found the condition had a huge impact on their family.

Christine, who married the TV presenter in 2011, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 33.

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The couple’s three children have also previously been diagnosed with the condition, with autism often better diagnosed in childhood.

But what are the signs which indicate autism in adults, and how can adults get a confirmed diagnosis?

What are the signs of autism in adults?

According to the NHS website, there are many symptoms which can indicate autism spectrum disorder in adults.

This includes finding it hard to read the emotions of others, getting very anxious about social situations and finding it hard to make friends or preferring your own company.

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Those with autism may also seem rude or blunt to others without realising, they may find it hard to talk about their feelings, stick to a strict routine each day and become uncomfortable if someone touches or gets too close to them.

Other signs may include avoiding eye contact, a lack of understanding of social rules, noticing small patterns, preferring to plan things meticulously and having a keen interest in specific subjects.

What causes autism?

According to charity Autism Speaks, there are no concrete causes for someone developing autism.

They said: “We know that there’s no one cause of autism. Research suggests that autism develops from a combination of genetic and nongenetic, or environmental, influences.”

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There is evidence that a person is more likely to have autism if it runs in the family, however this does not automatically confirm that someone has autism.

Likewise, someone who does not have a family history of the condition may well be diagnosed.

There is evidence that a parent giving birth at an older age may increase the risk of their child developing autism, as well as there being any pregnancy or birthing complications and pregnancies in quick succession. However, again, this does not guarantee a diagnosis, but only increases the likelihood of a child developing autism.

There is no sufficient evidence of vaccines causing autism.

Why is it more difficult to diagnose autism in adults than in children?

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One of the main reasons that autism often goes undiagnosed in adults is because the older someone gets, the better they may get at hiding or managing the signs.

This is more prevalent in adult women, who may be better at managing their signs and appear to cope better with social situations.

When a child is diagnosed with autism, usually their parent or guardian is involved with the process and can pinpoint signs that may not have been noticed otherwise at home.

As an adult who is trying to receive a diagnosis, it can be more difficult to identify the signs in themselves. Therefore it is recommended that the person who is seeking a diagnosis speak to those they socialise or live with to help identify signs.

How can adults get diagnosed with autism?

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If you suspect that you or someone you know has autism, the first thing to do is contact a professional such as a GP or other health professional, such as a therapist.

You should identify the signs before speaking so that the professional can get a clearer idea of what the diagnosis is.

If it is suspected by your GP or other health professional that there is a likely autism diagnosis, an assessment will take place with a dedicated team.

The assessment involves the team asking about any problems you are having day-to-day, watching how you interact with others and they may speak to people who know you about your behaviour.

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At the end of the assessment, you will be told if you are showing signs that you are autistic.

However, there can often be a long waiting list to access an assessment team.

The NHS have advised that those struggling to receive an assessment, they should speak to a second GP for a second opinion and also speak to those who have been in a similar situation.

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