Adult Autism Testing

Are you facing challenges in your daily life that leave you feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed? Do you ever find yourself struggling to navigate social interactions, sensory experiences, or changes in routine? If so, you may be wondering if autism could be playing a role in your experiences. Seeking autism testing as an adult can be a pivotal step in your journey toward understanding and embracing your unique neurodivergence.

We understand that the journey to seeking autism testing can be daunting, especially if you've previously felt overlooked or misunderstood by other providers. We want to assure you that our approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care. We recognize that every individual's experience with neurodivergence is unique, and we honor the lived experience that you bring to the table. You won't find judgment or skepticism here. Instead, we listen attentively to your story, relying on your insights and experiences to guide the assessment process. We understand that many neurodivergent individuals, particularly women and those who are high-masking, may have encountered skepticism or dismissal in the past. That's why we prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where you can feel validated and understood. We don't believe in making you jump through hoops or conform to preconceived notions of what autism "should" look like. Our goal is simply to understand and validate your lived experience with neurodivergence, empowering you to navigate your journey with confidence and authenticity.

The Importance of Autism Testing for Adults

Obtaining an accurate autism diagnosis as an adult can have significant benefits:

Self-Understanding: An autism diagnosis offers insights into your unique strengths, challenges, and experiences, fostering greater self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Community: The autism community is strong and supportive. Connecting with other autistic adults can help you to feel understood. There are many in person and online support groups for autistic adults.

Validation: Many adults who receive an autism diagnosis report feeling a sense of validation and relief, knowing that their differences are not flaws but rather a natural variation in human neurodiversity.

Access to Support: A formal diagnosis opens doors to a wide range of support services, accommodations, and resources tailored to meet your specific needs and enhance your quality of life.

The Autism Testing Process for Adults

The process of autism testing for adults involves the following steps:

Initial Assessment

You will meet with a clinician to discuss your history and current symptoms. You will have the opportunity to talk about social difficulties, sensory needs, passionate interests, and more. The clinician will also ask you questions about potential mental health symptoms, as autistic adults frequently have co-occurring concerns such as depression, anxiety, or OCD.

Diagnostic Testing

Standardized questionnaires about symptoms of autism and mental health symptoms will be completed.

Collaborative Approach

The assessment process is tailored to you and your needs. If you would like to include your family members or friends in the process, we welcome you to bring them or ask them to fill out questionnaires about you. We also respect your privacy and never require you to include other people in the assessment process if you do not want to.

Comprehensive Report

Following the completion of testing, you will be provided with a detailed report within 1-2 weeks. This comprehensive report encompasses your diagnosis, an in-depth explanation of testing outcomes, and tailored recommendations for treatment. Additionally, it includes referrals to other healthcare professionals, such as therapists or specialists in medication management, if deemed necessary. The report is designed to highlight your areas of strength and areas for growth, offering a holistic view of your neurodiversity. It's important to note that our evaluations extend beyond assessing for autism alone. Given the complexity of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions, our assessments also consider the possibility of co-occurring conditions. If you have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, rest assured that the report will address these diagnoses and provide recommendations for treatment tailored to your individual needs.

Feedback Session

After the assessment process concludes, you have the option to schedule a feedback session to delve into the findings further and ask questions. We will help you to get connected to other resources as needed.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism Testing for Adults

At Zephyr Care, we specialize in providing neurodiversity-affirming autism comprehensive testing. We are dedicated to helping you on your journey of self-discovery and acceptance. We specialize in high-masking presentations of autism and understand the different ways that autism can present in women. Contact us today to schedule an autism evaluation and take the first step toward understanding and embracing your unique neurodivergence.