Do you ever wonder whether your social discomfort might be linked to autism? Do you sometimes think that your tendency to be easily distracted and bored might be a sign of ADHD? Do you have a relative who has been diagnosed with a form of neurodivergence, and whose traits seem to reflect your own?
Many of us get that far and then stop. We don’t need to know more. But sometimes circumstances – or simple curiosity! – encourage us to find out more. This page is here to help you, if you want to take that next step, with a selection of online tools and information.
The Validity of Self-Diagnosis
The vast majority of neurodivergent adults are self-diagnosed in the first instance: in other words, we figure things out for ourselves, do the research and then go looking for a professional to confirm it. Sometimes by that point we know more than the GP!
Some people choose to stick with self-diagnosis, and never pursue a formal diagnosis. Here at Asterion we accept and support self-diagnosis, in line with many other neurodivergent-led organisations. You do not need to prove your differences to us.
There are many good reasons for choosing not to go down the route of formal diagnosis. One key reason is professional bias. For many doctors and therapists, neurodivergence is difficult to recognise in anyone who isn’t a white boy, because assessment criteria and professional training (particularly for autism and ADHD) were developed with a focus on white boys and do not sufficiently account for gender, race or age. The assessment process can therefore be difficult and distressing for anyone who does not fit neatly into the stereotype.
For everyone, the assessment process can be long and gruelling. It’s not unusual in the UK to wait two years for an appointment or referral. Diagnostic provision for adults is a postcode lottery in the NHS, with wildly different procedures and standards across the country. For that reason, people who can afford to do so often opt for a private assessment.
Assessment can bring benefits, however – particularly for neurodivergent traits which can be managed by medication or therapy. You should always seek medical help if the challenges become too much to handle.
Below you will find some diagnosis stories from people in Classics who have been through the process. These might help you to decide whether or not you want to pursue the formal diagnostic route.
First, though, here are some places you can start. These tests are in no way conclusive – and they’re certainly not as rigorous as a medical assessment would be – but for almost every late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult, these were our starting points. You will also find some links to services that can provide help and further information.
Online Resources to Support Diagnosis
Autism
Autism Spectrum Quotient Questionnaire: 50 questions which are far from perfect, but which can give you a quick indication of whether you might be autistic.
Pre-diagnosis – Adults: the official guidance on diagnosis from the National Autistic Society.
Being an Autistic Teacher: a short free course led by Hilary Forbes, covering what it’s like to be autistic in the workplace.
ADHD
ADD quiz: an 18-question online quiz to give you an indication of whether you might have ADHD. There is also some helpful (and encouraging!) follow-up information after the quiz.
Forms of ADHD: a helpful breakdown of the characteristics of different types of ADHD.
NHS diagnosis: a description of the pathway, and some recognition of the barriers to adult diagnosis.
Dyslexia
Online dyslexia test: 14 questions to indicate whether you might be dyslexic.
NHS dyslexia page: the NHS does not screen adults for dyslexia.
Diagnostic Assessment: how it works and who to contact.
Dyspraxia
Online dyspraxia questionnaire: this might give you some sense of whether you might be dyspraxic (you don’t have to enter your email address at the end!).
Diagnostic criteria: a list of the possible effects of dyspraxia.
NHS information: on diagnosis.
OCD
Online OCD quiz: just a few questions, but accompanied by some helpful explanations.
NHS information: on how to get help if you’re struggling with OCD.
OCD self-help guide: an online or printable workbook based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Dyscalculia
Online dyscalculia quiz: a set of maths questions to test for problems.
Signs of dyscalculia: from the British Dyslexia Association.
Private Assessments: there is no assessment available through the NHS.
Bipolar
Online bipolar quiz: some useful questions (although the results are rather pessimistic!)
Bipolar FAQs: from Bipolar UK.
Bipolar assessment: from the NHS.
