Introduction:
When a family member suspects someone they live with may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it can impact the entire household. This self-assessment checklist is designed to help family members, including older children and relatives, evaluate the symptoms they observe in the individual with suspected ASD and reflect on their own experiences in dealing with them.

ASD Symptoms Observation Checklist:

Please check the items that apply to your observations of the individual with suspected ASD.

For the Individual with Suspected ASD:

1. _ Difficulty understanding non-verbal cues during conversations.
2. _ Struggles to grasp social norms or unspoken rules.
3. _ Highly values routines and becomes distressed when they are disrupted.
4. _ Displays intense interests or passions in one or a few specific areas.
5. _ Struggles to empathize or see other perspectives.
6. _ Often misses sarcasm or jokes in conversations.
7. _ Affected by sensory sensitivities, such as bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures.
8. _ Tends to take things very literally and has difficulty with abstract concepts.
9. _ Has challenges maintaining eye contact during conversations.
10. _ Prefers to discuss their interests, sometimes dominating conversations.
11. _ Appears socially isolated or misunderstood.
12. _ Finds small talk or casual conversations meaningless or challenging.

Self-Assessment for Family Members:

Please check the items that apply to your own experiences in dealing with the individual with suspected ASD.

For Family Members:

1. _ I find it challenging to connect emotionally with the individual with suspected ASD.
2. _ I sometimes feel like they don’t understand my feelings or perspective.
3. _ I’ve noticed that certain behaviors or habits in the individual with suspected ASD consistently confuse or frustrate me.
4. _ I often feel like I’m the one who has to adapt or compromise in our interactions.
5. _ Conversations with the individual with suspected ASD often feel one-sided, with them doing most of the talking.
6. _ Our household struggles to adapt to changes or disruptions.
7. _ I’ve experienced stress or frustration in trying to communicate effectively with the individual with suspected ASD.
8. _ I feel like I need more emotional connection and reciprocity in our interactions.

Results Grid:

Count the number of items checked for the individual with suspected ASD and for yourself in the respective sections.

For the Individual with Suspected ASD:

• 0-4 items checked: Suggests a low alignment with ASD traits.
• 5-8 items checked: Indicates a moderate alignment with some ASD traits.
• 9-12 items checked: Suggests a strong alignment with ASD traits.

For Family Members:

• 0-4 items checked: Suggests a lower impact of the individual’s traits on your experiences.
• 5-8 items checked: Indicates a moderate impact, with some challenges in the household.
• 9-12 items checked: Suggests a significant impact of the individual’s traits on your experiences.

Conclusion:
Assessing ASD symptoms in a family context can provide valuable insights into how the individual with suspected ASD and family members are experiencing the situation. It is essential to remember that this checklist is not a definitive diagnosis but a tool to aid understanding. If necessary, seeking professional evaluation and support can help the individual with suspected ASD and the entire family navigate challenges and enhance overall well-being and communication.

To learn more about what steps to take if you suspect that you or your partner may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), please click on the following link to our next article: What to Do If You Suspect You or Your Partner Has ASD. Understanding and addressing ASD can be a transformative journey for your relationship, and this article will provide you with valuable insights and guidance.

Take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling marriage today! If you’re experiencing challenges in your relationship and suspect that an assessment could provide clarity and guidance, don’t hesitate. Visit sizzlinghotmarriage.com/clarity-call/ to schedule your assessment now. Invest in your relationship, nurture your love, and embark on a journey toward a Sizzling Hot Marriage. Your future together can be brighter, starting with this simple step. Don’t wait; take action today!

See the full list of posts on ASD in marriage.