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Autism Assessment for Adults: What to Expect

Many adults discover only later in life that they may be autistic. Here we walk through the process step by step.

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TL;DR

An autism assessment for adults at Alethia consists of a clinical interview, autism anamnestic interview (AAA), potentially ADOS-2, and feedback with a report. The process takes 2–4 weeks. Prices start at DKK 9,400.

Why get assessed as an adult?

Many adults live for decades without knowing they are autistic. This is especially true for women, who have often learned to camouflage, meaning consciously or unconsciously hiding or compensating for autistic traits to fit in. Social media, articles, and others' stories have led more people to recognize themselves, and the number of adults seeking assessment has risen significantly.

A diagnosis as an adult gives you a language for something you've felt your whole life: why social situations require extra energy, why sensory input can be overwhelming, and why you may have long felt slightly out of step. For many, it becomes a turning point. Finally an explanation that makes sense.

The assessment process at Alethia

Autism assessment for adults follows a structured process in several steps. Here is the process as it looks at our clinic:

Step 1: Clinical interview and screening

All new clients start with a clinical interview (approx. 2 hours, 2,900 DKK). Here we map your symptoms, functioning, and life history. We use several standardized screening tools:

The primary ones are RAADS-R (80 items), which screens broadly for autistic traits, and CAT-Q (25 items), which measures the degree to which you compensate for or hide autistic traits, what's called camouflaging. We also use the AQ (Autism Quotient, 50 items) and EQ (Empathy Quotient, 60 items) to form a broader picture.

We also screen broadly for other conditions (anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality, trauma), because autism rarely stands alone.

Step 2: AAA (Autism Anamnestic Interview)

AAA is a structured developmental interview (approx. 2 hours, 3,500 DKK). It is conducted with you and preferably an informant who knew you as a child. The interview covers three domains:

Social interaction (reciprocity, friendships, understanding social rules), communication (verbal, nonverbal, and pragmatic language use), and behaviour and interests (repetitive patterns, special interests, sensory sensitivity).

The diagnostic threshold is 6 or more symptoms, with at least 2 in social interaction, 1 in communication, and 1 in behaviour and interests.

Step 2b: ADOS-2 (when needed)

ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) is a standardized observation considered the gold standard in autism diagnostics according to the Danish Health Authority. We use Module 4, designed for verbally fluent adults. The session takes approximately 2 hours and costs 3,500 DKK.

ADOS-2 is not used in every assessment. It is relevant when the diagnostic picture is unclear, for example because the client camouflages effectively. The clinician observes your social communication, eye contact, reciprocity, and response to structured social situations. It is not a test you can pass or fail. It is an observation of how you naturally communicate.

Step 3: Feedback and report

In the feedback session (approx. 2 hours, 3,000 DKK) we go through the results with you. You receive a written diagnostic report with the diagnostic conclusion, a description of your strengths and difficulties, and recommendations for next steps. We also share Danish autism resources.

A neuroaffirming approach

At Alethia, we see autism as part of human neurodiversity. Our assessment focuses on understanding how your brain works and what you need, with respect for who you are.

A diagnosis can provide access to understanding, self-acceptance, and in some cases public support. It can also help those around you understand why you react differently in certain situations, and what they can do to support you.

Autism and ADHD: Frequent overlap

Rommelse et al. (2010, European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry) found that ADHD and autism overlap in 30\u201380% of cases. Since ICD-11 permits dual diagnosis, we at Alethia always screen for both conditions in parallel. Read more about AuDHD, when ADHD and autism overlap.

The overlap makes diagnostics more challenging. Executive function difficulties, social challenges, and sensory sensitivity occur in both conditions, and require an assessment by psychologists and psychiatrists experienced with both.

Prices

PackageSessionsPrice
Autism assessment (without ADOS-2)39,400 DKK
Autism assessment (with ADOS-2)412,900 DKK

You pay per session over several weeks. No lock-in. See all prices.

Wait time

A full autism assessment typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the first session to the written report. The timeline depends on whether ADOS-2 is needed and when an informant can participate. For comparison, the Rigsrevisionen report (2024) shows public system waits of up to 3 years.

Start with a free screening

Unsure whether an assessment makes sense? Try our free RAADS-R autism screening or CAT-Q camouflaging test. They don't replace a clinical assessment, but they can give you an indication of whether it's worth pursuing.

Ready to get assessed?

You can book directly. We have short wait times.

Frequently asked questions