Our Services
Adult Autism Assessments
Are you ready to understand how an autism spectrum disorder may influence your life?
Whether you’ve long wondered if autism could explain your experiences or are seeking answers to ongoing challenges, obtaining an adult autism diagnosis can enhance self-understanding and provide access to personalized resources. This is the first step toward living a more fulfilled and empowered life.
We’re here to support you by offering comprehensive, evidence-based autism assessments tailored to your unique needs.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
What You May Be Experiencing
Do you often feel overwhelmed by social situations or find understanding the unspoken communication rules challenging?
Perhaps you struggle with sensory overload—loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces can feel unbearable. You may also experience difficulties with change, preferring routines and predictability. These experiences are common autism symptoms for individuals on the autism spectrum.
You might feel isolated, misunderstood, or like you’re constantly masking your true self to fit in. Internally, you could be grappling with questions like, Why do I think and feel so differently from others? or Why do I struggle to connect with people even though I try so hard?
You may have never considered autism as a possibility because you don’t fit common stereotypes. Many adults with autism have been misdiagnosed or overlooked, mainly if they’ve developed coping mechanisms to manage their difficulties.
This can leave you feeling as though your struggles are invisible.
You might secretly think, “If I could just figure out why I’m different, I could finally live authentically and confidently.”
If any of this resonates with you, you are not alone.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism in Adults
Autistic adults may exhibit various signs and symptoms that can affect their daily lives. These may include difficulties with social interactions, such as understanding social cues, initiating or maintaining conversations, and developing and maintaining relationships.
Verbal and nonverbal communication challenges are also common, making it hard for autistic adults to express themselves or interpret others’ expressions.
Additionally, many autistic adults are interested in specific topics or activities and may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping or rocking. Recognizing these signs is crucial to diagnose autism and provide the necessary support for autistic adults.
You Are Not Alone: Autism in Adults
However, because autism presents differently in each person, particularly between genders, many adults remain undiagnosed until later in life. Societal pressures, gender biases, and limited awareness of how autism manifests in adults contribute to this delay in diagnosis.
Females, people who are BIPOC, or individuals who identify as sexually non-binary are often underrepresented in research studies on autism, leading to a lack of understanding and support for these individuals. This lack of representation also contributes to the misconception that autism only affects young boys.
In fact, many autistic people who seek an autism assessment have spent years or even decades feeling misunderstood. They’ve often internalized feelings of inadequacy or assumed their difficulties were personal failings.
However, understanding that these challenges are part of a neurodivergent experience can be profoundly freeing. It opens the door to self-compassion, tailored strategies, and improved relationships.
Common Misconceptions About Autism
There are several common misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that can lead to misunderstanding and stigma.
One misconception is that individuals with ASD are not intelligent or capable. In reality, many people with ASD have average or higher intelligence and are capable of achieving great things. However, they may struggle with social communication and interaction, making it appear like they have lower intelligence.
Another misconception is that individuals with ASD lack empathy. While those with ASD may have difficulty expressing or understanding emotions in a typical manner, this does not mean they lack empathy.
Many people with ASD are highly empathetic and may experience intense emotions themselves.
Research shows that ASD is a genetic disorder caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, not poor parenting or vaccines. There is no known cure for ASD, but early identification and intervention can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life.
Additionally, some people believe that ASD is a rare disorder, but it is estimated to affect 1 in 54 children and 1 in 100 adults in the United States. Understanding these facts can help dispel myths and promote a more accurate and compassionate view of ASD.
Why an Adult Autism Assessment Matters
A comprehensive autism assessment can provide you with clarity and validation. Autism screening is essential in detecting potential symptoms and ensuring you receive a professional assessment to confirm a diagnosis. Without proper identification, you may face challenges without understanding their root cause. You might have difficulty maintaining relationships, navigating workplace dynamics, or managing sensory sensitivities without realizing that these experiences are tied to how your brain processes the world.
When you understand your neurodivergent traits, you’re better equipped to:
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms: Recognize and address sensory or social triggers.
- Improve self-compassion: Understand that your struggles are not personal failures.
- Advocate for your needs: Communicate your strengths and challenges to others.
- Set better boundaries: Understand what situations may be overwhelming for you.
- Access support: Connect with resources and communities that understand your experience.
- Create a more inclusive environment: Advocate for accommodations and educate those around you about neurodiversity.
Seeking an assessment is crucial in reclaiming your narrative and creating a life that aligns with your needs and values.
We Offer Several FREE Screening Tests
RAADS 14 Item Screening Questionnaire
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
The AQ is a valuable screening tool designed to assess autistic traits in adults. While the AQ is not a formal diagnostic tool, it is an initial step in the diagnostic process.
By highlighting potential autistic traits, the AQ can indicate whether further evaluation is necessary.
This can be particularly useful for those who have long wondered if their experiences align with autism spectrum disorder but have not yet sought a formal diagnosis.
Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
Modified Girls Questionnaire for Autism for Adult Women (GQ-ASC)
Our Unique Assessment Process:
Diagnostic Tools and Methods You Can Trust
We utilize leading, scientifically validated tools as part of a comprehensive autism test to provide an accurate and detailed understanding of your experiences. These tools include:
MIDGAS-2 (Module for the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults)
SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition)
Family of Origin Questionnaire and a Genogram
Our online assessments offer convenience and flexibility for your busy schedule. You can complete the process from the comfort of your home.
What You’ll Gain from Your Adult Autism Assessment
Through this comprehensive evaluation, you will:
- Understand your unique traits: Gain clarity on how autism may influence your thoughts, behaviors, and interactions.
- Develop self-compassion: Recognize that your challenges are not due to personal failings but are part of a broader neurodivergent experience.
- Learn actionable strategies: Discover tailored approaches to improve relationships, self-care routines, and professional life.
This understanding and diagnosis can provide clarity and validation. They can also empower you to take control of your life, advocate for your needs, and build a supportive environment that honors your authentic self.
Understanding the Costs and Investment of the Adult Autism Diagnostic Assessment Process
Investing in an accurate mental health assessment for autistic people is crucial for effective treatment and support. While cost is an important consideration, prioritizing a qualified professional ensures you receive a thorough evaluation and the insights you need to move forward confidently. Here’s a breakdown of our Adult Autism assessment process:
Diagnostic Assessment Cost: $1,500
Completed over five 50-minute therapy sessions.
Report Fees:
*If desired
- Diagnostic Note: $200
- Diagnostic Summary Report: $400
- Comprehensive Evaluation Report: $800
Additional Assessment Fees:
- SPM-2 (Social Perception Module, Second Edition): $300
- Alexithymia Assessment: $300
- Pathological Demand Avoidance Assessment (PDA): $300
Accommodation Letters:
For Employment or Education: $200
Payment: Out-of-pocket payment is required. We do not accept insurance, but we can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
Overcoming Common Concerns About Assessment
Seeking an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Here’s how we address the most common concerns:
What if I'm not autistic?
Will this be too complicated or too expensive?
Will being diagnosed make others see me differently?
How long will the assessment take?
Will my privacy be safeguarded?
The Impact of an Autism Diagnosis
A diagnosis can serve as a turning point. An adult autism diagnosis allows you to:
- Recognize your strengths: Autism often comes with unique abilities, such as deep focus, creative problem-solving, and heightened attention to detail.
- Reframe your challenges: Rather than seeing your difficulties as personal flaws, you can understand them as part of a different way of thinking.
- Connect with others: Finding a community of like-minded individuals can reduce feelings of isolation.
With this new understanding, you can work toward goals that honor your authentic self.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment for autistic adults requires profoundly understanding their needs, preferences, and experiences. Autistic adults often have unique sensory needs and may be overwhelmed by certain sights, sounds, or smells.
To create a supportive environment, it is essential to give autistic adults control over their sensory experiences, such as by providing earplugs, sunglasses, or a quiet space. Autistic adults may also benefit from structured routines, clear communication, and predictable schedules.
In addition, autistic adults may benefit from access to technology, such as text-to-speech software, speech-generating devices, and social media platforms. These technologies can provide autistic adults with a sense of connection, community, and empowerment and can help them navigate the world more independently and autonomously.
By creating a supportive environment that addresses the unique needs and experiences of autistic adults, we can help them thrive, succeed, and reach their full potential.
Supporting Autistic Adults
Supporting autistic adults requires a comprehensive approach that addresses their unique needs, challenges, and strengths. Autistic adults often face significant barriers in accessing employment, education, and healthcare and may experience social isolation, anxiety, and depression.
To support autistic adults, it is essential to provide them with access to specialized services, such as counseling, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Autistic adults may also benefit from accommodations in the workplace, such as flexible work arrangements, sensory-friendly environments, and communication support.
In addition, autistic adults may benefit from connecting with other autistic individuals through support groups, online communities, and social events. These connections can provide a sense of belonging, validation, and empowerment and can help autistic adults develop a positive sense of identity and self-advocacy.
What Comes After the Assessment?
After your assessment, we offer additional therapy to help you navigate your next steps. This includes ongoing individual or couples therapy, which can further assist you and your partner. I am a neurodiverse therapist and coach specializing in Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments.
I understand the challenges of being neurodiverse because I am one myself. I am dedicated to supporting and guiding individuals who seek to understand themselves better. My approach is centered on utilizing a strengths-based perspective, which focuses on identifying and building upon an individual’s strengths rather than solely focusing on their challenges.
During therapy sessions, we will work together to reframe your difficulties as opportunities for growth and development. By shifting your mindset, you can see your challenges in a new light and develop practical problem-solving skills.
We will also explore how you can connect with others meaningfully, whether through finding a community of like-minded individuals or improving communication within your relationships.
Therapy following an assessment can be highly beneficial. It provides a deeper understanding of your strengths and areas for growth. By identifying your assets, we can create a personalized treatment plan that maximizes your potential for success.
Some common goals in therapy may include improving self-esteem, managing anxiety or depression symptoms, and building healthier relationships. In addition, it is crucial to develop effective coping mechanisms, especially for the repetitive patterns that may be a large part of your life. I am trained in various evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions, to help you achieve these goals. Our goal is to empower you to live with confidence and purpose.
Take the First Step Today
Are you ready to explore how autism may shape your life?
We offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to discuss your needs and determine whether an assessment is right for you.
Contact us today to begin your journey of self-discovery and growth.