What questions are asked in an adult autism assessment?

Themes covered in an adult autism assessment

While every clinician has their own approach, tailored to each person, most autism assessments in the UK, particularly those following NICE guidance and national best practice, cover similar core areas. Together, these themes help build a complete picture of your developmental history, your experiences of the world, and the strategies you use each day.

Here are some key areas you might talk about:

• Developmental history: early life experiences, milestones and school life
• Social communication and interaction: how you connect and communicate with others
• Repetitive behaviours and sensory differences: patterns, routines and sensory preferences
• Daily living and coping strategies: managing work, relationships and self-care

Developmental history

You may be asked about early childhood behaviours, key milestones and family life. Clinicians often request input from someone who knew you as a child, as this can highlight traits that began in early development. 

Social communication and interaction

This explores how you interact in different social settings, your comfort level in conversations and whether you find it easy to read social cues like tone of voice or facial expressions. 

Repetitive behaviours and sensory differences

Questions here might focus on structured routines, special interests or your reactions to sensory experiences such as light, sound or touch. 

Daily living and coping strategies

The focus here is on how you manage daily tasks, transitions and stress, as well as whether you’ve developed coping strategies to navigate challenges. 

Examples of adult autism assessment questions

Here are examples of typical questions you might be asked during an autism assessment, grouped by theme:

Developmental history 

• What were your favourite hobbies or activities as a child?
• Did you meet developmental milestones such as talking or walking at expected times?
• How was your school experience, academically and socially?

Social communication and interaction

• Do you find it easy to start or maintain conversations?
• How do you feel in group settings compared to one-on-one interactions?
• Do you understand jokes, sarcasm or figurative language easily?

Repetitive behaviours and sensory differences

• Do you have daily rituals or strict routines? 
• Are there specific sounds, lights, textures or smells you avoid? 
• Do you develop intense interests in certain topics? 

Daily living and coping strategies

• How do you react to sudden changes in plans? 
• Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team? 
• What methods do you use to manage stress? 

Number of questions asked in an autism assessment

There’s no fixed number of questions. Instead, expect a structured interview lasting around 2–4 hours, sometimes split over more than one session. The length can vary depending on: 

• Whether additional informant interviews are needed (e.g. with a parent or close relation) 
• Whether you’re having a standalone autism assessment or a combined ADHD and autism assessment 
• How much detail you provide and your pace of communication 

Are the questions different in a combined ADHD and autism assessment? 

Yes, while you’ll still cover autism-related themes, a combined ADHD and autism assessment also includes questions about attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. You may be asked: 

• Do you find it hard to stay focused even on activities you enjoy? 
• Do you often act before thinking about the consequences? 
• Do you feel restless, fidgety, or have trouble sitting still? 

This helps the clinician identify whether traits are due to autism, ADHD, or both, which is essential for making the right support recommendations.  

For further insight, read our article on the signs of autism and ADHD in children. While written for parents, it’s a useful overview of autism traits that may continue into adulthood. 

How to prepare for an adult autism assessment

Preparation can make the process smoother and more comfortable. Here are some helpful tips: 

• Gather your personal history: School reports, past medical records or letters from people who knew you as a child can be valuable. 
• List specific examples: Think of situations that highlight your social interactions, sensory differences or coping strategies. 
• Prepare your questions: Write down anything you’d like to ask your assessor. 
• Plan for comfort: Although the assessment is conducted virtually and you can take short breaks if needed, wear comfortable clothing, have water or snacks nearby and allow enough time before and after the appointment to avoid feeling rushed or stressed. 
• Inform close contacts: Consider telling a trusted family member or friend about your assessment. They can offer support before and after and may provide useful observations to the clinician if needed. 
• Reflect on your strengths: Autism assessments don’t just focus on challenges. Jotting down your strengths and interests can help your assessor get a fuller picture of who you are. 
• Manage expectations: Remember that the assessment is a process, not a quick test. It might take time to get results, so try to be patient and kind to yourself throughout.