A Mixed Methods Study of Barriers to Formal Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Laura Foran Lewis

Abstract

Delayed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into adulthood is common, and self-diagnosis is a growing phenomenon. This mixed methods study aimed to explore barriers to formal diagnosis of ASD in adults. In a qualitative strand, secondary analysis of data on the experiences of 114 individuals who were self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed with ASD in adulthood was used to identify barriers. In a quantitative strand, 665 individuals who were self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed in adulthood were surveyed online to examine incidence and severity of barriers. Fear of not being believed by professionals was identified as the most frequently occurring and most severe barrier. Professionals must strategize to build trust with individuals with ASD, particularly when examining the accuracy of self-diagnosis.

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Citations

Aug 23, 2018·The Nurse Practitioner·Laura Foran Lewis
Feb 14, 2019·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·Rae MorrisMichael Saini
Mar 28, 2019·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·Laura CraneElizabeth Pellicano
Jun 2, 2020·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·Eilidh Cage, Jack Howes
Oct 1, 2020·British Journal of Health Psychology·Rachel L MoseleyJulie M Turner-Cobb
Apr 9, 2020·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·Laura CraneElisabeth L Hill
Aug 28, 2020·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·Tiffany L HutchinsAshley Brien
Apr 1, 2021·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·Kiah EvansAndrew J O Whitehouse
Mar 31, 2019·Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry·Steven D HicksFrank A Middleton
Jul 10, 2021·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·Yunhe HuangJulian N Trollor
Sep 17, 2021·Autism Research : Official Journal of the International Society for Autism Research·Yunhe HuangJulian N Trollor

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