ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the best-practice instruments and tools for screening and diagnosing adults with autism that involve self-reporting, caregiver-reporting and clinical observations. A discussion of common co-morbid conditions will also be included so mental health professionals can be prepared for ways to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when there are data that can support several differential diagnoses. From there, the Social-Responsiveness Scale, second edition, will be reviewed for its clinical utility in planning for and assessing treatment for improving autism symptomology. Some of the adult clients that seek treatment will have benefited from this early intervention and have a long history of medical and therapeutic histories that will help inform current diagnosis. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) is a gold-standard in screening for diagnostic purposes and assessing treatment outcomes for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
