How to Get an Adult Autism Assessment in BC

For many adults in BC, seeking an autism assessment can feel like a daunting, confusing process. There’s no public funding for adult autism assessments—meaning MSP does not cover them—so individuals are left navigating private options on their own.

If you’ve always felt a bit out of step with the world—struggling with work, relationships, or social interactions—you may have spent years searching for answers. Maybe you’ve tried CBT, DBT, medications like SSRIs, or received diagnoses that never quite felt right. For some, these signs are part of a broader neurodivergent experience. As conversations about autism and ADHD become more inclusive, many adults are starting to wonder if these could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Start with a Self-Assessment

If you’re not quite ready to speak with a professional, self-assessment tools can be a helpful first step. While not diagnostic, they can give you a sense of whether you might meet the criteria for autism. Look for empirically validated tools, such as the RAADS-R, which is designed to reflect the lived experiences of autistic adults.

These tools are more than just online quizzes—they’ve been studied and shown to have good predictive value.

Choosing the Right Assessor

Once you’re ready to move forward with an adult autism assessment in BC, finding the right professional is key.

At Lavender Grove Counselling, we offer adult autism assessments in Vancouver that are neurodivergent-affirming and inclusive. We don’t view autism or other neurodevelopmental differences as something that needs to be fixed. Instead, we see neurodivergence as a natural part of human diversity.

Our approach is strengths-based—we’re just as interested in what’s going well in your life as we are in what’s challenging. Your final report will reflect not only areas of difficulty but also your unique strengths and ways of thinking.

Assessments for the LGBTQ+ Community

If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, it can be especially important to work with someone who understands the intersections of neurodivergence, gender, and sexuality.

For many gender-diverse or trans* individuals, gender socialization can shape how they experience or mask autistic traits. Others may have always struggled to connect with the concept of gender itself. At Lavender Grove Counselling, we recognize how these intersections influence your experiences, and we incorporate this understanding into our assessments and treatment plans.

Masking behaviours—consciously or unconsciously hiding autistic traits—are common, especially for people who’ve had to navigate multiple marginalized identities. Our assessments are sensitive to this and explore masking as part of the process.

What to Expect During the Assessment

The process of an adult autism assessment in Vancouver may involve several appointments, some of which are in-person and some online. At Lavender Grove Counselling, we utilize a well-established tool called the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) to guide our assessments.

You’ll participate in a range of conversations and low-pressure activities—not tests—that help us understand how you communicate, think, and engage with the world. There’s also a developmental history component, which may include old report cards, past assessments, or conversations with someone who knew you as a child.

We understand that family relationships can be complex, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. If speaking with your parents isn’t an option, we’ll find other ways to gather your developmental history. If appropriate and with your consent, we may also use another tool called the A-DIR, which focuses on early developmental milestones.

Your assessor will also ask about your educational and work history—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what patterns have emerged. You’ll likely complete several questionnaires to provide a more comprehensive picture of your day-to-day experiences.

After the Assessment: Moving Forward with Support

At Lavender Grove Counselling, our goal isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to support you in finding ways to live that feel meaningful and sustainable. If your assessment confirms autism, your report will include personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs. These resources may point you toward supportive community organizations, affirming healthcare professionals (such as occupational therapists), or even media that might resonate with your experience.

We also offer ongoing, neurodivergent-affirming counselling that can help with related challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or gender dysphoria.

For many people, simply receiving a diagnosis can be incredibly validating. It can help explain lifelong patterns, reduce self-blame, and offer a new lens through which to understand your experiences.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Suppose you’re considering an adult autism assessment in BC. In that case, we invite you to book a phone consultation with Imogen through our online calendar or connect with us via our contact form.

At Lavender Grove Counselling, we’re honoured to walk alongside you as you take this important step.