Assessment and diagnosis of ASD in adults
The feeling of being out of step or of having to make an immense effort for social interaction is often the starting point of a quest for answers. For an adult, obtaining a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the key to making sense of one's life journey.
Whether this is for you or for a loved one you support, our specialized psychologists and neuropsychologists will accompany you with rigor and empathy at our private clinics in Montreal, Laval and Brossard.
Autism in adulthood: beyond the clichés
Far from the image often associated with toddlers, ASD in adults manifests itself in complex realities. Many people with autism develop what is known as social masking: an exhausting imitation strategy to conform to expectations. This constant performance, combined with intense sensory perception (where office noises or lights can be really aggressive) and a vital need for routines to manage anxiety, usually accounts for a sense of chronic fatigue.
Specific interests are much more than mere hobbies; they are deep-seated passions that structure thinking and stimulate cognitive functioning. Empathy is experienced differently, and its expression may differ from social norms, leading to misunderstandings in relationships.
A neuropsychological and multidisciplinary assessment process adapted to adults
Assessing autism spectrum disorder in an adult is a nuanced approach that aims to reconstruct a life course. Our comprehensive assessment is designed as a collaborative inquiry that includes:
- An in-depth assessment meeting to trace early signs back to childhood (the testimony of a close relative is invaluable, as is the opinion of the family doctor).
- Clinical observations using standardized, recognized tools such as the ADOS-2 Test.
- Adult-specific questionnaires to obtain an accurate overall picture, distinguishing autistic disorders from other conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, personality traits, or attentional difficulties.
This multidisciplinary approach enables our specialists to make the right diagnosis, whether it's an ASD or profiles that correspond to Asperger's syndrome, which is now described on the spectrum.
Living better with your autism profile thanks to a comprehensive assessment
A diagnosis is not a label, but an instruction manual. It opens the door to concrete ways of improving quality of life, whether by adapting your work environment, communicating your needs more clearly in your relationships, or simply allowing yourself to be yourself, without judgment. The neuropsychological assessments also enable us to gain a better understanding of our cognitive functioning, and to find the right tools and services, such as psycho-educational follow-up.
CERC's expertise in assessing adults with autism
Since 2003, our team has been dedicated to the rigorous assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders. We have developed recognized expertise in identifying ASD profiles and spectrum disorders in adults. When you choose CERC, you're opting for a neuropsychological and multidisciplinary evaluation that highlights the unique pathway of each autistic person.
To make an appointment or if you have any questions about ASD
Our neuropsychologists
Our team of neuropsychologists in Montreal, Laval and Brossard, made up of accredited professionals, offers specialized support to individuals with neurological disorders. We develop personalized intervention plans and support families in promoting well-being and cognitive success.
