Getting tested for Asperger’s means seeking a formal diagnostic evaluation for what clinicians now call autism spectrum disorder, level 1. Asperger’s syndrome was an official diagnosis until 2013, when the American Psychiatric Association folded it into the single umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5. If you want testing today, you would ask your doctor for an autism assessment. That usually starts with a primary care visit, a referral, and a structured evaluation with a clinician trained in adult or child autism diagnosis.
The process is not a single blood test or scan. It is a conversation, a developmental history, and standardized screening tools. This guide explains who can diagnose, what the evaluation involves, how to find someone qualified, and what to expect from the results.
Why Is Asperger’s No Longer a Separate Diagnosis?
The term was retired from the official diagnostic manual in 2013, but it never disappeared from everyday language. The DSM-5 replaced Asperger’s disorder, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified with one diagnosis: autism spectrum disorder. The reasoning was that the boundaries between these labels were inconsistent from clinic to clinic, and that a spectrum better reflected how traits vary in intensity and combination.
This matters for testing because a clinician today will not formally diagnose “Asperger’s.” They will assess for autism spectrum disorder and describe where a person’s traits fall on the spectrum. Many autistic adults still use the word Asperger’s to describe themselves. That is a personal and community identity choice, not a diagnostic category.
One clarification worth knowing: the change was about how clinicians classify, not about erasing anyone’s experience. If you were diagnosed with Asperger’s before 2013, that diagnosis is generally still recognized. A clinician can update it to autism spectrum disorder if you need current documentation.
Who Can Diagnose Autism in Adults and Children?
No single profession owns autism diagnosis, but training and experience vary widely. The most reliable evaluations come from clinicians who specialize in autism and use standardized tools. A general therapist or counselor may offer an opinion, but that is not the same as a formal diagnostic assessment.
Clinicians who commonly perform these evaluations include:
- Psychologists and neuropsychologists, who often administer the structured testing
- Psychiatrists, especially those with developmental or autism expertise
- Developmental pediatricians, for children
- Specialized autism clinics and multidisciplinary teams
For adults, the landscape is thinner. Many autism specialists focus on children, and adult assessments can be harder to find. University-affiliated clinics, autism centers, and private neuropsychologists are common routes. Waitlists can be long, and insurance coverage varies.
How Do You Start the Testing Process?
Start with your primary care doctor. Explain why you are seeking an assessment and ask for a referral to a clinician or clinic that evaluates autism in your age group. A referral helps with insurance and points you toward people who actually do this work.
Before the appointment, gather information that will make the evaluation more accurate:
- Developmental history, such as early speech, social, and motor milestones
- School records or reports from childhood, if available
- Accounts from parents or family members who knew you as a child
- Any prior psychological or psychiatric evaluations
- A written list of the traits and difficulties that prompted you to seek testing
This history matters more than many people expect. Autism is a developmental condition, so clinicians look for evidence that traits were present early in life, even if they were not recognized then. For adults, a parent or sibling interview is often part of the assessment.
What Happens During an Autism Evaluation?
A thorough evaluation combines several parts rather than relying on one questionnaire. The clinician is looking for a pattern of traits across settings and across the person’s life, not a single checkbox.
A typical assessment includes a detailed interview about development and current functioning, a review of social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors, and standardized screening or diagnostic instruments. Some clinicians use structured interviews and observation tools designed for autism. Others use broader psychological testing to rule out or identify other conditions.
This last point is important. Autism shares features with several other conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and some learning differences. A careful clinician considers these alternatives rather than assuming autism is the answer. A good evaluation can take several hours spread across more than one appointment.
How Long Does Testing Take and What Does It Cost?
Timelines and costs vary enormously by provider and location, so no single figure applies. A full evaluation often spans multiple sessions, and the wait to get an appointment can be substantial at specialized clinics. It is reasonable to ask about both wait time and total cost when you call to schedule.
Insurance coverage is inconsistent. Some plans cover autism assessment, particularly for children, while adult evaluations may face more scrutiny. Asking the clinic directly about billing, insurance, and out-of-pocket cost before booking will save surprises later. Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees.
What Do the Results Mean?
At the end of the process you receive a written report. It typically states whether the person meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder, describes the specific traits observed, and may include recommendations for support, accommodations, or further evaluation.
A diagnosis is a description, not a verdict. Some people find it clarifying and use it to access workplace accommodations, educational support, or therapy. Others find the label does not fit how they see themselves. Both responses are common, and neither is wrong.
It is also possible to receive a result that is unclear or that identifies a different condition. If the report feels incomplete, you can ask for clarification or seek a second opinion. A second evaluation is a reasonable step when the first one felt rushed or did not account for your history.
What If You Cannot Access a Formal Evaluation?
Formal assessment is not available to everyone, whether because of cost, waitlists, or geography. In that situation, self-assessment tools and community resources can offer information, but they are not a diagnosis. Online quizzes and checklists can help you organize your thoughts and decide whether to pursue professional testing. They cannot confirm or rule out autism.
If a formal evaluation is out of reach for now, a clinician you already trust can still help you address specific difficulties, such as social anxiety or sensory sensitivity, without a formal label. Support can begin before a diagnosis is settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get diagnosed with Asperger’s?
Clinicians now diagnose autism spectrum disorder, not Asperger’s, because the term was retired from the DSM-5 in 2013. A prior Asperger’s diagnosis is generally still recognized and can be updated if needed.
How do I get tested for Asperger’s as an adult?
Start with your primary care doctor and ask for a referral to a clinician or clinic that evaluates autism in adults. Adult assessments can be harder to find than child ones, so expect to check several providers and possibly wait for an appointment.
Is there a blood test or scan for autism?
No. Autism is diagnosed through clinical interviews, developmental history, and standardized behavioral assessment tools, not through lab tests or imaging.
How long does an autism assessment take?
A full evaluation often takes several hours across more than one appointment, and the wait to schedule one varies widely by clinic. Ask the provider directly about both wait time and total cost when you call.
