How to find an autism specialist?

[Civet]

I want to at least look into the possibility of seeing a specialist for evaluation, though I may be unable to afford actual testing/appointments if my insurance doesn't cover it. How did those of you who are diagnosed find the specialists you saw? And what was the cost of your evaluation? I started out searching for "autism specialists" but that didn't help. I'm now looking through neurologists on my insurance plan but there are a lot and not many list a more specific specialty. I've also thought of the children's hospital nearby that treats behavior disordered and developmentally delayed children and adolescents, but I'm out of their age range at this point, being 27. If I can't find anyone else I suppose I could contact them to see if they deal with adults but I'm not sure.

[oscilor]

I want to at least look into the possibility of seeing a specialist for evaluation, though I may be unable to afford actual testing/appointments if my insurance doesn't cover it. How did those of you who are diagnosed find the specialists you saw? And what was the cost of your evaluation? I started out searching for "autism specialists" but that didn't help. I'm now looking through neurologists on my insurance plan but there are a lot and not many list a more specific specialty. I've also thought of the children's hospital nearby that treats behavior disordered and developmentally delayed children and adolescents, but I'm out of their age range at this point, being 27. If I can't find anyone else I suppose I could contact them to see if they deal with adults but I'm not sure.

This may be irrelevant, because I am in the UK. The National Autistic Society has a list of specialists. Perhaps there is a similar organisation in the US? I was recommended someone by word of mouth,then I self-referred. This person had a background as a speech pathologist. Through dealing with a lot of autistics in her speech therapy and seeing the lack of provision for older autistics who missed diagnosis in childhood, she got into diagnosis of adults. That was in 2002 when there were very few people dealing with adult autistics.

Now, the situation has changed here and you cannot self refer, but must be referred by a psychiatrist. Also, the person doing the evaluation must be qualified as a clinical psychologist or as a psychiatrist. I do not think that neurologists deal with autism. I did not have to pay for any of this, as it was on the NHS, but it is also possible to get diagnosed privately.

It might be worthwhile contacting agencies who deal with children or with learning difficulties, because they may be able to recommend someone. So I think contacting the childrens hospital is a good idea.

Another option is to contact researchers and see if they can recommend someone - they have to get their research subjects from somewhere!

[Sophist]

Are there any Autism Centers within your area? They might better know of diagnosticians who have experience with adults.

My main recommendation is not to see anyone who uses the ADOS as part of their diagnostic tool bag. ADOS isn't particularly good at catching the higher functioning ranges.

[Aspen]

I want to at least look into the possibility of seeing a specialist for evaluation, though I may be unable to afford actual testing/appointments if my insurance doesn't cover it. How did those of you who are diagnosed find the specialists you saw? And what was the cost of your evaluation? I started out searching for "autism specialists" but that didn't help. I'm now looking through neurologists on my insurance plan but there are a lot and not many list a more specific specialty. I've also thought of the children's hospital nearby that treats behavior disordered and developmentally delayed children and adolescents, but I'm out of their age range at this point, being 27. If I can't find anyone else I suppose I could contact them to see if they deal with adults but I'm not sure.

I think I would call the children's hospital child development unit and ask them if they deal with diagnosing adults or if they know someone who does.