You can’t “cheat” an autism assessment just by knowing what assessors are looking for

I don't know who needs to see this, but you can't "cheat" an autism assessment just by knowing what the assessors are looking for.

The only way you can cheat is by actually outright lying about your experiences. 

Just knowing the criteria doesn't taint your answers. It just makes it easier for you to share the most relevant stories from your life. 

Especially ones from your childhood.

Autism assessments aren't made up of yes or no questions that you can get "right" just by knowing the criteria.

They are lengthy, multi-phase processes where you are asked to provide detailed examples and stories from your actual life. (When they are done right)

Unless you are making up stories, you are not "gaming the system."

Don't let anyone guilt you for researching autism before an assessment.

The more informed and better prepared you are going in, the more likely you are to leave with an ACCURATE diagnosis.