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How Adult Autism Goes Undetected

How Adult Autism Goes Undetected

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PBS Vitals

Video Summary

  • The video discusses the challenges faced by adults who were not diagnosed with autism during childhood and explores the options for support and diagnosis in adulthood.
  • Language used to describe autism, such as a little on the spectrum or high functioning, can be offensive and create assumptions about individuals with autism.
  • Autism is not a disorder but a different way of seeing and interacting with the world, and it is important to recognize that autistic individuals may experience life differently but not necessarily as deficits.
  • Autism spectrum disorder is represented as a wheel rather than a linear scale, with different markers representing diagnostic observations such as social awareness, sensory processing, and motor skills.
  • The video highlights the challenges faced by underrepresented demographics, such as girls and individuals from different cultures, in getting a proper diagnosis, and emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in assessments.
  • A diagnosis of autism in adulthood can provide self-understanding and access to legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but there can be challenges in accessing assessments due to high demand and limited availability of clinicians.
Psychologist

Dr. Kenneth Roberson

Dr. Kenneth Roberson is an Adult Autism Psychologist in San Francisco with over 30 years of experience. Click below to ask a question or schedule an appointment.

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