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Autism Assessment

Growing Up, Did You Feel Like Something Was Wrong With You?

Do you feel like something has been missing throughout your entire life? Have you tried therapy to no avail because you’ve constantly been misdiagnosed or dismissed as dramatic? Are you already identifying as autistic and want a professional opinion or validation?

Maybe you feel like you have to hide who you truly are for fear of being stigmatized or not fitting in. Or perhaps you’ve noticed that your relationships with your partner, friends, and family are suffering because of misunderstandings and assumptions.  Living with an undiagnosed condition can make life extremely difficult. All you want is clarity and validation, and we are here to provide this for you.

Autistic People Experience the World Differently

Autism affects people in many different ways.

You may struggle to identify and express what you’re feeling. Maybe you’re having panic attacks or meltdowns and feel like you lack control of your emotions. This can lead to withdrawal and isolation while you rest and recover.  In these moments, it feels as if nobody truly understands what you’re going through.

You may be exhausted during social interactions because you try so hard to blend in and “put on a show.” Whether at work or home, you feel misunderstood by others and like you need to over-explain yourself. Maybe you believe you’re on the periphery of your friend groups or wonder why you haven’t been able to sustain lasting friendships.

Physically, you probably struggle with gastrointestinal issues or chronic pain.

What you want more than anything is to understand yourself. You want to know if you’re autistic and how to best accommodate yourself in the event that you are. At Neuron & Rose Psychological Services, our clinicians specialize in autism assessments and evaluations so you can finally get the answers you’ve been searching for.

 Autism Is Much More Common Than You Might Think

Though there is growing awareness surrounding autism, it is still significantly misunderstood and misrepresented. Over the years, there has been an increase in diagnosis, moving from 1 in 110 to 1 in 36 (1). Recent research has highlighted the prevalence of autism in girls and women. It used to be thought that for every four boys, there was one girl affected. Now, studies are suggesting it may actually be more common in girls, with 80 percent of women remaining undiagnosed at age 18 (2).

Autism Is Not Easily Understood By The Rest Of The World

In our culture, societal pressures and a desire to fit in often prompt you to mask your true self, camouflaging autistic traits and ways of being, to be like everyone else. Consequently, many undiagnosed autists or those who suspect they may be autistic are left grappling with confusion and uncertainty about how to navigate life. This can result in continued depression, anxiety, and burnout.

Seeking a comprehensive autism evaluation is a vital step in obtaining a definitive diagnosis and gaining valuable insights into learning self-acceptance, improving your well-being, and finding a supportive community.

Autism Assessments can be Crucial To Understanding What’s Going On Below The Surface

At Neuron & Rose Psychological Services, our in-depth assessment/testing process provides a deeper understanding of yourself and how your brain works. We help highlight what autism actually is and identify what your needs are.

We also seek to enhance your connection with the people closest to you, find authentic connections, and foster awareness regarding your support needs, strengths, and challenges.

Autism Testing Process

Here at Neuron & Rose Psychological Services, clients interested in autism testing can schedule a free 15-minute consult with Dr. Hogan. This is to ensure all questions are answered and that the process and next steps are discussed.

The assessment process itself is virtual, so you don’t need to come into the office. The virtual assessment process allows you to remain in the environment that is most comfortable for you. Further, you are encouraged to have sensory fidgets on hand and dress comfortably. 

As an adult being tested for autism you are encouraged to share results from online self-tests, notes you’ve taken about autistic traits you relate to, or even anecdotes from those around you, if applicable. If your child is the one being assessed, depending on their age, you can participate in sessions as the parent.

Our autism evaluations typically last for four to five appointments. Each appointment lasts about two hours depending on individual support needs. Appointments are once or twice a week depending on your assessor and your availability.

You will receive the results of your autism assessment at your feedback session, which typically occurs two weeks after your final testing appointment. The final report can be expected roughly four to eight weeks after the final testing appointment.

Sometimes we recommend that clients engage in ongoing support such as individual therapy, family therapy, or occupational therapy. We can provide individual therapy at the clinic if our clinicians are a good fit. If not, we will provide referrals. We also offer resources/referrals tailored to your specific needs.

Neuron and Rose practices from a neurodiversity-affirming framework. We believe that neurodiversity is natural and worthy of appreciation and celebration. We understand the unique challenges that you face navigating neurotypical spaces. We also recognize that an autism diagnosis often co-occurs with other conditions such as depression and anxiety. Our expert clinicians provide ongoing care and support, focused on improving your well-being, strengthening authentic connections, finding community, and truly healing from burnout.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Testing…

What if I'm high masking?

Don’t sweat it. We won’t dismiss you or say something like, "Oh, you smiled at me so you can't be autistic." We delve deep into your lived experiences of autistic traits and don’t rely on just our observations of you. We understand that many people, especially people raised as girls (AFABs) have been socialized to make more eye contact and to engage in give-and-take conversation. We’re up to date on the research of masking/camouflaging autistic traits.

Is it worth it? Can I just self-diagnose?

Though there are many benefits to a formal assessment, it is not required by any means. Self-diagnosis is valid. You get to decide what is best for you and your needs. We can discuss more about the pros and cons of each method on the consult call and figure out what’s best for you.

I want an assessment, but I can’t afford the cost upfront.

That’s okay!  Payment plans and sliding scale rates are available for autism testing. We can further discuss this in your consult call.

You Can Experience A Life Of Clarity And Acceptance

If you suspect that you might be autistic, Neuron & Rose Psychological Services can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the answers you need to make informed decisions going forward.

To schedule a free initial 15-minute consultation, please visit our contact page.

1- ​​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10042614/
2- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10060524

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