The Importance of Autism Awareness in Mental Health: Why Misdiagnosis is a Concern for Autistic Adults
We have been seeing an increasing number of adults seeking testing for autism. Unfortunately, many of these people have already seen other Psychologists and other mental health professionals and have been told that they have pretty much every other diagnosis except autism. On more than one occasion, we have seen someone say that they have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, anxiety, and depression – all different diagnoses for one person, yet none of these diagnoses feel quite right for them.
Being misdiagnosed can delay or prevent autistic adults from receiving the proper care and accommodations they may need. Instead, they may receive treatments that are not effective, or worse, harmful. In addition, a misdiagnosis can also lead to a lack of understanding and support from mental health professionals, who may not be trained to recognize the unique challenges and strengths of autistic individuals. They may not recognize the sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and repetitive behaviors that are often associated with autism. As a result, autistic adults may feel misunderstood, unsupported, and stigmatized.
Moreover, misdiagnosis can also lead to self-doubt, shame, and confusion. Autistic individuals may question their own experiences and wonder why their treatment is not working. They may also feel invalidated and dismissed when their symptoms are attributed to another condition.
It is worth noting that misdiagnosis is especially common among autistic women. Research suggests that autistic women are often diagnosed with other conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders. This is because autistic women tend to present differently than men and may have better-developed coping mechanisms to mask their autistic traits. Additionally, the diagnostic criteria for autism were historically based on male presentation, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of autistic women. As a result, many autistic women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to a lack of understanding and support in mental health settings. It is crucial for mental health professionals to be aware of these gender biases and to approach diagnosis and treatment with a nuanced and inclusive perspective.
It is important for mental health professionals to be trained in recognizing and diagnosing autism in adults. This can help ensure that autistic individuals receive the proper care and accommodations they need to thrive. Accurate diagnosis can also provide validation and understanding, which can be a powerful tool in promoting self-acceptance and self-advocacy.
Where Can I Find Autism Testing for Adults Near Me?
Not all mental health professionals provide autism testing for adults. It is important when seeking adult autism testing to find a Psychologist who specializes in autism and neurodiversity and will provide a neurodiversity affirming approach to comprehensive testing. At Zephyr Care, this is one of our specialties! Zephyr Care offers convenient virtual appointments with a Psychologist through our secure telehealth system. We have been providing adult autism testing in Nashville for more than 10 years, but now we are also able to offer virtual autism testing to people in most other states. We provide adult ADHD testing and child autism testing and both autism and ADHD testing for children. Contact us today!
What is the Cost of Adult Autism testing?
All prices are listed on our website.
Author: Heather Joppich, PhD
Dr. Joppich is a Licensed Psychologist and owner of Zephyr Care Mental Health. She specializes in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD, and mental health concerns.
