Autism Testing

Seeking Autism Testing For Yourself or A Loved One?

·       Do you see the world differently than other people and want a deeper understanding of yourself?

·       Have you looked back and wondered if the challenges in your life might be explained by autism?

·       Are you considering an autism evaluation for the first time?

Are you experiencing challenges across various aspects of life that affect your daily functioning? Perhaps you struggle to interpret social cues, which may have led to misunderstandings and difficulty maintaining friendships. Maybe you’re tired of feeling isolated and it has led you to “mask” your natural behaviors and inclinations to fit in.

Do loud noises or crowded spaces lead to feeling overwhelmed? Maybe it’s affecting your ability to focus or participate in social settings. Perhaps unpredictability and disruptions in schedules are sources of stress that others don’t understand. Does your preference for routines and structure make it challenging to cope with sudden changes?

You may be considering an autism evaluation so that you can understand yourself better and get the support, services, and accommodations you need.

Perhaps You’re The Parent Of A Child On The Autism Spectrum

·       Is your child misunderstood by others who aren’t familiar with their quirks and unique ways of expressing themselves?

·       Has your child’s insistence on maintaining routines caused emotional outbursts?

·       Does your child struggle to sustain friendships or connect with peers?

·       Are teachers or family members misinterpreting their behaviors as intentionally disruptive?

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) struggle with rigidity, perspective-taking, sensory sensitivity, anxiety, and paying attention. Perhaps their challenging behaviors have led to disciplinary actions at school. These daily challenges may lead to heightened anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt, as individuals feel misunderstood or pressured to conform to neurotypical expectations.

Whether you’re seeking an autism evaluation for yourself or your child, we encourage you to reach out. Our autism testing process can shed light on the underlying challenges children, teens, and adults face and improve their outcomes in school and work.

As part of the autism assessment process, we can provide guidance, psychoeducation, and recommendations to equipt parents with insights and strategies that can help them advocate for their child at school, access the right resources, and foster a supportive environment for growth.

Many Individuals Face Challenges Caused by Autism

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. ASD is often diagnosed in childhood or teens, but can be identified at any age. Symptoms and signs can vary widely; no two individuals with ASD are the same, making it essential to have a customized and thorough assessment.

Results from one study suggest the prevalence of autism among youth has tripled from 2013 to 2022. As of 2023, approximately 1 in 36 children in the US is diagnosed with autism*. This reflects a significant increase in ASD diagnoses over recent decades.

While most autism diagnoses occur in early childhood, autism is prevalent among adults as well. Estimates suggest that around 5.4 million U.S. adults, or about 2.2% of the adult population, are on the autism spectrum, though many remain undiagnosed until later in life. Growing awareness has led to more teens and adults seeking ASD assessments to better understand their unique needs and strengths.

In Today’s Busy World, ASD Can Be Hard to Identify

Factors such as individual idiosyncrasies, nuances in behavior, and wide diversity among individuals with ASD often cause delays in obtaining autism spectrum assessment. Furthermore, family values and socio-cultural attitudes about ASD may further delay individuals or families from speaking with a mental health clinician about their concerns.

Obtaining an autism assessment can give you a clearer understanding of your needs and help you cultivate more self-awareness. An autism evaluation will provide diagnostic clarification so you can then make informed decisions about services, interventions, and accommodations to best serve you and help you achieve your goals.

You May Have Some Questions About ASD Testing

How long does the assessment process take?

The full assessment process typically takes several hours spread over multiple sessions. This includes the initial consultation, clinical interview, behavioral observations, testing sessions, and a personalized feedback session to discuss results and recommendations. We prioritize accuracy and depth, ensuring we have ample time to gather and interpret relevant information for each client.

What are the benefits of an autism diagnosis?

A formal diagnosis can provide clarity, validate experiences, and explain challenges in areas like social communication, sensory processing, or daily functioning. It also opens doors to tailored support, including therapeutic interventions, educational resources, and workplace accommodations, allowing individuals to access the resources they need to thrive.

At what age can autism testing be done, and is it effective for adults?

Autism assessments can be conducted at any age. Many people are diagnosed during childhood, but assessments for teens and adults are effective and often provide valuable insight later in life, particularly during the college and early career stages. Identifying ASD in older individuals can offer explanations for long-standing challenges and open pathways to self-understanding as well as occupational and community resources tailored to their needs.

*Data and Statistics on ASD | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)