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

By: NeuroSpark Health

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, accessing appropriate support, and improving 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 include:

• 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 that autistic person.

• Communication challenges: While difficulty interpreting sarcasm, metaphors, or non-verbal communication such as facial expressions is a certain presentation of autism, other autistic adults may actually be hyper-attuned to these cues or 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.

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

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

Understanding these traits is the first step toward recognizing many adults’ desires to get tested for autism later in life.
 

The Importance of an Autism Diagnosis

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

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

2. Access to Support: Diagnosis can open doors to support services, workplace accommodations, and more.

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

4. Community: Finding out you are autistic can help you connect with a community of 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 in 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:

1. Limited Expertise: Not all healthcare providers are experienced in diagnosing autism in adults, leading to potential misdiagnosis or overlooked symptoms.

2. Long Wait Times: High demand for autism assessments can result in long waiting periods for an appointment.

3. Geographical Barriers: Individuals in rural or underserved areas may find it difficult to access qualified providers.

4. 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 practice 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 welcome!)

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

Virtual Autism Assessments: A More Accessible Option

In recent years, virtual autism assessments have emerged as a viable and accessible option for many adults. Here are some benefits of using virtual services:

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.
    

The Autism Assessment Process

The process of getting tested for autism at NeuroSpark involves several steps:

1. Initial Consultation: This is usually a meeting with a healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and why you think you might be autistic. It's an opportunity to provide your personal history and symptoms. To book a consultation with Dani, click here. 

2. Written Screeners/Questionnaires: Before your assessment, you will fill out a variety of forms detailing your experiences and filling out standardized questionnaires that the provider reads and integrates.

3. Clinical Interview: These in-depth interviews focus on asking questions to get to understand your experience better. We try to avoid binary questions and aim to capture the many nuances that are involved in the autistic experience. 

4. Psychological Report: If you elect to receive a full report with your assessment, you will get a detailed, comprehensive report that includes your story, your profile, your strengths, differences, scored measures, diagnostic summary, recommendations, and more. You can also choose to request the report later within 6 months of your assessment.

5. Feedback Session: Once the assessment is complete, if you would like, you can book a feedback session in which the clinician will discuss the findings with you. 
    

Questions to Ask a Potential Provider

When choosing a provider for an autism assessment, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure they are qualified and a good fit for your needs:

1. Experience: "How many adult autism assessments have you conducted?"

2. Approach: "What is your approach to diagnosing autism in adults?"

3. Assessment Tools: "What diagnostic tools and methods do you use?"

4. Support Services: "What follow-up support do you provide after diagnosis?"

5. Cost: "What is the cost of the assessment, and do you accept insurance?"
    

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."

You can learn more about our evaluators on our Meet the Team page to explore fit. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
 

Desired Outcomes of an Autism Assessment

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

1. Validation: Understanding that one's experiences are due to autism can provide validation and reduce self-doubt.

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

3. 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. 

4. 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

Several myths about autism persist, which can hinder adults from seeking testing for autism as an adult:

1. "Autism only affects children." Autism is lifelong; adults can be autistic too.

2. "All autistic people have intellectual disabilities." Autism varies widely; many autistic individuals have average or above-average intelligence.

3. "You can't be autistic if you have friends or a job." Many autistic adults have fulfilling social lives and careers.

4. "Autistic people don't want to socialize." Autistic individuals often want social interaction but may find it challenging.
    

Gaps in Care and Support Services

Despite increasing awareness, there are still significant gaps in care and support services for autistic adults:

1. Lack of Specialized Providers: Few healthcare providers specialize in adult autism, making it hard to find the right support.

2. Limited Resources: Many areas lack resources such as support groups, therapy options, and community programs for autistic adults.

3. Inadequate Training: Some professionals lack adequate training in autism, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective support.

4. Societal Stigma: Persistent stigma and misconceptions about autism can prevent individuals from seeking or receiving appropriate care.
    

Curious about autism assessment? We’re here for you.

Finding out where to get tested for autism as an adult is a crucial step towards understanding yourself better and accessing the support you need. By recognizing the signs of autism, understanding the assessment process, and knowing what to look for in a provider, you can make an informed decision about seeking a diagnosis. Virtual autism assessments offer a convenient and accessible option, especially for those who face logistical challenges in finding local providers. Remember, seeking an autism diagnosis is not just about identifying challenges but also about recognizing strengths, unlearning shame, and unpacking ableism.