In brief
The 2016 guideline described what should at least be gathered in an assessment: among other things current symptoms and reason for presenting, history of pregnancy and development, upbringing and education history, hobbies and friendships, repetitive behaviours, physical and mental previous illnesses, support and help received so far, and family history. [3, Rec. 20] In addition, at least one close person who has known you since childhood should be involved, and documents from childhood and biography should be used. The absence of such documents does not necessarily prevent the diagnosis in adults. [3, Rec. 18] Preparation helps but is not a requirement.
This English translation was produced with AI assistance and has not yet been independently reviewed.
Status of the guideline: This article draws on the S3 guideline on diagnosis (text version 23.02.2016). It has expired: according to the overview of the DGKJP it was valid “until 04.04.2021”. [1] The document carries a note that it is currently being revised. [3] Newer studies are not taken into account. We will update the article as soon as a new version is available.
What is asked
The case history should cover the twelve topic areas named. [3, Rec. 20] In addition come behavioural observation, physical examination and, depending on age, developmental or intelligence assessment. [3, Rec. 19] An expert overview from 2024 stresses that reconstructing early development in adults is a major challenge and should be supplemented by asking relatives and looking at old documents. [2] More on the process: How an autism assessment works.
Who can come along
For children and adolescents, the legal guardians must be involved. [3, Ch. B.4.3.2] For adults, the case history should ideally be taken with relatives who can give information about early development (parents, older siblings); friends and partners can provide information about current life. [3, Ch. B.4.3.2]
Documents that can help
Named were reports from nursery, school reports as well as medical letters and test results. [3, Rec. 18]
Practical tips from the editorial team
Not from the guideline, but obvious: a short timeline (nursery, school, changes, crises), a list of current difficulties with examples, medication and earlier diagnoses, open questions for the appointment. Mention beforehand if you find stimuli, time pressure or spontaneous questions difficult; the 2021 guideline named low-stimulus, structured conditions (fixed time, place and people) as an expectation of those affected of their care. [4, Rec. 4]
What else you should know
- Appointments and costs: Referral, costs and waiting times.
- For adults: Assessment in adulthood; for children: Diagnosis in children: who, where, how?.
- Not covered: details of the methods (ADOS-2, ADI-R), see diagnostic tools.
Note: This article offers general information. It does not replace advice from the assessment service.
Sources and literature
- DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Einträge 028-018 „Gültig bis 04.04.2021“ und 028-047 „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)
- Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I. Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie 2024;(4+5):27–32. – Expert overview (in German)
- DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 1: Diagnostik. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-018, Textstand 23.02.2016. – Guideline (in German) (expired; according to the document note under revision)
- DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 2: Therapie. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Stand Text 02.05.2021. – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026
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