TY - JOUR AU - Cavenagh, Penny AB - Adults are increasingly self-identifying as autistic, and reporting problems being referred for an autism diagnostic assessment. This scoping review aims to ascertain: (1) what research has been conducted on the self-identification process of autism in adults, who do and do not have a formal diagnosis of autism, and (2) which aspects of the self-identification process could be used to improve the referral and the diagnostic process of an adult autism assessment. The main themes identified were: the diagnostic process from a client´s perspective; the process of self-identifying as autistic from a lifespan perspective; an autistic identity; sexual identity and experiences, and the perception of autism as a difference or a disability. These themes could positively enhance the referral and diagnostic process. TI - Understanding the Self-identification of Autism in Adults: a Scoping Review JF - Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders DO - 10.1007/s40489-023-00361-x DA - 2024-12-01 UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/springer-journals/understanding-the-self-identification-of-autism-in-adults-a-scoping-dIpOw3II8L SP - 682 EP - 702 VL - 11 IS - 4 DP - DeepDyve ER -