Where to Get Tested for Autism in Adults: A Comprehensive Guide

Autism has historically been thought of as a childhood diagnosis, but many adults are also autistic without realizing it until later in life for a variety of reasons. For those who suspect they might be autistic, seeking a formal diagnosis can be the step they decide to take in order to understand themselves better, access appropriate support, and improve their quality of life. This guide will explore where to get tested for autism as an adult, what the assessment process entails, and why it’s important to find the right healthcare provider. We recognize the difficulties of finding local autism assessments, and we aim to address this gap by affirming the benefits of virtual assessments as a valid option.

Understanding Autism in Adults

Autism can manifest differently in adults than it does in children. Autistic adults may experience difficulties with social interactions, communication, and behavior; however, their presentations can be harder to detect by the “untrained eye.” Their very real challenges can often be misinterpreted or overlooked, leading to missed diagnosis and/or misdiagnosis.

Common Signs of Late-Diagnosed or Late-Identified Autism in Adults

1. Difficulty with Social Interactions

Maybe the autistic adult holds a highly social job or interacts effectively in public/family settings, but behind closed doors, they are overwhelmed, burnt out, and need several days to recover. Maybe they experience significant interpersonal difficulties that are less apparent and therefore minimized, despite causing unmanageable distress for the autistic person.

2. Communication Challenges

While difficulty interpreting sarcasm, metaphors, or nonverbal communication such as facial expressions is a certain presentation of autism, other autistic adults may actually be hyper-attuned to these cues. They may also have intricately developed systems for adhering to communication norms (scripting, rehearsing in advance, having a flow chart or other system for communicating, etc.). Maybe they struggle with incidents at work where they are accused of being offensive, too blunt, too flat, and more.

3. Behavioral Traits

Rigid routines, repetitive behaviors, and intense interests or hobbies that they perhaps hide, mask, or filter their enthusiasm for. 

4. Sensory Sensitivities

Being overly sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory inputs, but tolerating this discomfort as an extension of masking. 

The Importance of an Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis can be life-changing for adults. It provides an explanation for long-standing challenges and can help in several ways:

Self-Understanding

Understanding that certain difficulties are due to autism can reduce self-blame and increase self-acceptance.

Access to Support

Diagnosis can open doors to support services, workplace accommodations, and more.

Mental Health

Knowing you are autistic can help address related mental health issues in a way that is supportive of your unique neurotype. It can also be very validating to work with an autism-affirming provider.

Community

Finding out you are autistic can help you connect with others who share similar experiences. (Note: You do not need an autism diagnosis to be welcome in autistic communities, as self-diagnosis is valid; however, some individuals feel like a diagnosis can help ease their uncertainty about accessing or fully engaging in these spaces.)

The Challenge of Finding Autism Testing Locally

While the benefits of receiving an autism diagnosis are clear, finding a local provider who can conduct an accurate assessment can be challenging. Some of the common difficulties include:

• Limited Expertise: Not all healthcare providers are experienced in diagnosing autism in adults, leading to potential misdiagnosis or overlooked symptoms.
• Long Wait Times: High demand for autism assessments can result in long waiting periods for an appointment.
• Geographical Barriers: Individuals in rural or underserved areas may find it difficult to access qualified providers.
• Cost and Insurance: The cost of an assessment can be high, and not all providers accept insurance. Many autistic and neurodivergent healthcare providers choose private pay practices to eliminate some insurance-related barriers. We do not take insurance at NeuroSpark, but we are happy to provide a superbill. (FSA and HSA cards are welcome!

These challenges highlight the need for alternative options for autism assessments.

If you’re looking for providers near you, check out our state-by-state autism assessment guide.

Virtual Autism Assessments: A More Accessible Option

In recent years, virtual autism assessments have emerged as a viable and accessible option for many adults.

Benefits of Virtual Autism Assessments

1. Convenience

You can attend appointments from the comfort of your home, reducing the stress of travel.

2. Flexibility

Virtual assessments offer flexible scheduling, making it easier to fit appointments into your life.

3. Accessibility

For those living in remote areas, virtual assessments provide access to specialists who might not be available locally.

4. Reduced Anxiety

Many autistic individuals may find it less stressful to communicate from their familiar environment.

What the Autism Assessment Process Looks Like

At NeuroSpark Health, our autism assessments are designed specifically for adults. Instead of rushing through checklists, we take the time to understand your full story, including your strengths, challenges, and lived experiences. The process usually includes questionnaires, an in-depth clinical interview, and the option of a comprehensive written report with recommendations and resources tailored to you.

Want to see the full step-by-step process? Explore our Autism Assessment for Adults page.

Questions to Ask a Potential Provider

Finding the right clinician makes all the difference. Here are a few key questions to help you decide if someone is the right fit:

• How many adult autism assessments have you conducted?
• What diagnostic tools and approaches do you use?
• Do you provide follow-up support or resources after the assessment?

These simple questions can tell you a lot about a provider’s expertise and philosophy of care.

Ensuring a Good Fit

When you are wondering where to get tested for autism as an adult, finding a provider who understands and respects your experiences is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure a good fit:

1. Comfort and Trust: Choose a provider you feel comfortable with and can trust. This will make the assessment process smoother and more accurate.
2. Communication Style: Make sure their communication style works for you. If you prefer clear, direct communication, let them know.
3. Neurodiversity Affirming: Ensure the provider practices neurodiversity-affirming care. This means they respect and value neurodivergent experiences and do not view autism as a deficiency or disorder to be “fixed.”

Learn more about our autism assessment specialists or contact us if you have any questions.

Benefits of an Adult Autism Assessment

Getting tested for autism as an adult can lead to several positive outcomes, including:

Validation

Understanding that one’s experiences are due to autism can provide validation and reduce self-doubt.

Targeted Support

Diagnosis can lead to access to tailored support services, such as post-diagnosis coaching and support groups. Note: You can find an autism-affirming therapy provider even without a diagnosis.

Workplace Accommodations

A formal diagnosis can help secure necessary accommodations at work, improving job satisfaction and performance. If you aren’t sure where to start, an accommodations consultant can help guide you in your process. 

Community Connection

Knowing you are autistic can help you connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share similar experiences.

Common Myths About Autism in Adults

Misinformation still gets in the way of many adults seeking testing. Here are a few of the biggest myths:

• “Autism only affects children.” Autism is lifelong. Adults can be autistic too.
• “All autistic people have intellectual disabilities.” In reality, intelligence varies widely.
• “You can’t be autistic if you have friends or a job.” Many autistic adults thrive in work and relationships.
• “Autistic people don’t want social connection.” Most want connection, but it may look different.

Understanding the truth behind these myths can make the decision to seek assessment less intimidating and much more empowering.

Gaps in Care and Support Services

Even with growing awareness, many autistic adults still face real barriers to care, including:

• Few specialized providers trained in adult autism.
• Limited resources like support groups or community programs.
• Inadequate training leading to misdiagnosis.
• Persistent stigma that prevents people from seeking help.

These gaps make it even more important to find a provider who understands autistic adults and offers affirming, neurodiversity-informed care.

Curious About Autism Assessment?

Finding out where to get tested for autism as an adult can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking clarity, support, or simply a deeper understanding of yourself, an affirming autism assessment can help you move forward with confidence.

At NeuroSpark Health, our clinicians specialize in adult-focused, neurodiversity-affirming evaluations. We understand masking, late identification, and the complexities that come with seeking answers as an adult.

👉 Schedule your free consultation to see if our process is the right fit for you.

Not sure where to begin? Explore your options in our state-by-state autism assessment guide to learn what’s available near you and how virtual care can make the process more accessible.