Assessment tools for adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Marinella Zingale
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a genetic basis and an early onset, which in most cases presents with lifetime features (APA, 2013). In recent years many efforts have focused on early identification of the disorder, in order to promptly implement appropriate interventions aimed at modifying its developmental paths. However, a greater attention to these disorders in adulthood is needed, since little is known about them. The presence of autistic features requires, in fact, even for adults, specific habilitative and pharmacological interventions. For this reason careful assessment through psychological and diagnostic instruments validated for adults is essential. Starting from a review of literature, the main available diagnostic tools used to support clinical observation and identify autistic features in adolescents and adults will be illustrated.
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorders, adults, psychodiagnostic assessment, differential diagnosis, assessment questionnaires.