ACIA (Autism Comorbidity Interview for
Adults) – ASD Diagnostic Module
Use this structured interview to support the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
in adults. Includes validated scoring rubrics aligned with DSM-5 criteria and correlations
with other standardized tools like RAADS-R.
Section A: Developmental History and Onset
1. When did you or others first notice any social, communication, or behavioral
differences?
2. Did you experience delays in speaking or understanding language as a child?
Section B: Social Communication & Interaction
3. Do you find it difficult to understand what others are thinking or feeling?
4. Do you struggle with eye contact in conversations?
5. Is it hard for you to make or keep friends?
6. Do you often miss social cues like sarcasm, tone, or body language?
7. Have others told you that you come across as blunt or overly honest?
8. Do you prefer being alone over being with others?
9. In childhood, did you engage in pretend play?
Section C: Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
10. Do you have specific routines or rituals you need to follow?
11. Do you have intense interests or hobbies that you focus on for long periods?
12. Do you repeat certain movements or behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking)?
13. Do you prefer sameness and feel discomfort with change?
Section D: Sensory Processing
14. Are you especially sensitive to certain sounds, lights, textures, or smells?
15. Do you seek out sensory experiences (e.g., touching textures, spinning, loud music)?
16. Do you avoid environments due to sensory discomfort (e.g., shopping centers, crowded
places)?
Section E: Executive Functioning and Emotional Regulation
17. Do you find it hard to plan, organize, or complete tasks?
18. Do you experience emotional outbursts or shutdowns when overwhelmed?
19. Do you need extra time to transition between tasks or environments?
20. Do you feel ‘burned out’ or exhausted after socializing?
Section F: Comorbidities & Differential Diagnoses
21. Have you ever been diagnosed with another condition (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, depression,
OCD)?
22. Do you often experience intense anxiety, especially related to social situations or
change?
23. Do you have repetitive thoughts or rituals you feel you must do (different from
routines)?
24. Do you struggle with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity?
25. Have you ever been misdiagnosed or misunderstood in the past?
Section G: Impact and Functioning
26. How do your traits impact your work, school, or social life?
27. Do you require support to manage day-to-day activities?
28. Have you adapted strategies to cope or mask your difficulties?
29. Do others notice differences in how you interact or communicate?
30. Why are you seeking an autism assessment now?
Scoring Rubric and Diagnostic Mapping
Use DSM-5 ASD criteria for diagnosis. Each domain should be scored for severity (0=None,
1=Mild, 2=Moderate, 3=Severe). Cross-reference answers with validated instruments such
as RAADS-R, AQ, and ADOS-2 where applicable.
