DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN ADULTS: PITFALLS AND DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by pervasive difficulties since early childhood across reciprocal social communication and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviors. It was not until 1980 that autism was officially recognized as an independent neurodevelopmental disorder and not a form of psychosis. In this sense, there will be many adults with autism aged over 20 years of age who are not appropriately diagnosed and who are not receiving relevant care.  Although health and education services for children with ASD are relatively well established, service provision for adults with ASD is in its infancy. There is a lack of health services research for adults with ASD, including identification of comorbid health difficulties, rigorous treatment trials (pharmacological and psychological), development of new pharmacotherapies and investigation of transition and aging across the lifespan. This article reviews available evidence regarding the diagnosis and management for adults with ASD and considers what is needed to identify and evaluate these patients.