Understanding the Embrace Autism Test: A Comprehensive Guide

The Embrace Autism Test, developed by Natalie Engelbrecht, a Canadian psychotherapist and an individual on the autism spectrum, is a comprehensive online assessment tool designed to help identify autism in individuals. This test is unique in its approach, considering the challenges faced by autistic individuals during the diagnostic process.

What is the Embrace Autism Test?

The Embrace Autism Test is a two-part assessment process that starts with a screening assessment, followed by a diagnostic assessment. The screening assessment consists of 12 questions about your experience and history and six psychometrics: AQ, RAADS–R, CAT-Q, VIA, RBQ-2A, and the Aspie Quiz. After reviewing the submitted information, a report based on answers and psychometric scores is provided, along with a recommendation on whether it makes sense to proceed with part 2.

The diagnostic assessment includes six psychometrics: ASRS-v1.1, EQ, SQ–R, ESQ, TEQ, and the TAS-20. This part also consists of a 30–40 minutes interview via teleconference based on the ADOS-2 (module 4). Natalie Engelbrecht and a medical doctor review the submitted information, and a report is provided based on your answers, psychometric scores, and the interview.

Why Choose the Embrace Autism Test?

The Embrace Autism Test is designed with the understanding that many autistic individuals communicate better in written form. This makes the online assessment a more comfortable option for some people. Moreover, self-reported measures of autism are pretty reliable, with a reliability rate of around 70–86%, according to one study. This means that self-assessments are taken seriously.

Support for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

In addition to the Embrace Autism Test, Natalie Engelbrecht recommends joining Facebook groups for support and experiences from other autistic individuals. The Embrace Autism Private Community is one such recommended Facebook group.

My point of view

Our journey with autism has been one of discovery, understanding, and, ultimately, embracing the unique way Saar experiences the world. Today, I want to share our experience with the Embrace Autism Test, a tool that has provided us with invaluable insights into Saar’s unique world.

Discovering the Embrace Autism Test

I first came across the Embrace Autism Test in an online support group for parents of autistic children. The idea of an assessment tool designed with the unique communication preferences of autistic individuals in mind intrigued me. I hoped it could provide a deeper understanding of Saar’s unusual behaviors and patterns.

The Screening Assessment

The first part of the Embrace Autism Test involved answering 12 questions about Saar’s experiences and history. I found this process thoughtful and comprehensive, covering aspects of Saar’s life that I hadn’t considered about his autism. The psychometric tests, including the AQ and RAADS-R, provided a structured way to understand Saar’s behaviors and patterns.

The Diagnostic Assessment

Encouraged by the screening assessment results, I decided to proceed with the diagnostic assessment. This part of the test included an additional set of psychometric tests and a 30-40 minute interview based on the ADOS-2 module. The interview was conducted via teleconference, a relief for Saar and me, as he often feels more comfortable in familiar environments.

Understanding Saar Better

The Embrace Autism Test provided a comprehensive report based on Saar’s answers, psychometric scores, and interviews. The information offered a deeper understanding of Saar’s unique strengths and challenges. It also provided practical recommendations on how to support Saar’s development and well-being.

A New Perspective

The Embrace Autism Test not only provided me with valuable insights into Saar’s autism but also helped me embrace the unique aspects of Saar’s personality. I realized that understanding Saar’s autism was not about finding a ‘cure’ or a ‘fix,’ but about appreciating his unique way of experiencing the world.

Our journey with the Embrace Autism Test is a testament to the power of understanding and embracing autism. It’s a story of a mother’s love, a child’s resilience, and the tools that can help illuminate the path of living with autism.