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Adult Autism Assessments

Adult Autism Assessment

Discover Clarity, Understanding, and Self-Compassion

Is Autism the Missing Piece?

You’ve done your best to make sense of why life feels harder than it seems it should.
You mask your emotions to fit in.
You’re overwhelmed by things that don’t bother others.
You feel exhausted by socializing, confused by unwritten rules, and deeply lonely—even around people.

And still, you wonder:
“Why do I experience the world so differently?”
“Is there a reason everything feels so hard?”
“Could I be autistic and never have known?”

You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things.

At Love on the Autism Spectrum, I offer affirming, in-depth Adult Autism Assessments that can bring relief, clarity, and a powerful new framework for understanding yourself.

Book a "Clarity & Connection" Zoom

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological difference that affects how people communicate, process emotions, and experience sensory input and social interaction. As a spectrum, autism looks different in every person.

Autistic adults may:

Feel exhausted by social interaction or unclear expectations
Crave routine and structure to feel calm and grounded
Be hypersensitive to noise, light, or textures
Struggle to interpret tone, subtext, or facial expressions
Engage in repetitive movements or special interests for regulation
Mask their differences so well that no one sees their distress

If this resonates, you’re not broken—you’re neurodivergent.

You May Be Experiencing…

Sensory overwhelm in loud, bright, or chaotic environments
Emotional exhaustion from masking your needs and personality
Difficulty with change or unpredictability
Trouble connecting with others, even when you’re trying your best
Intense focus on specific interests that bring calm or joy
Self-doubt, burnout, and a longing to finally feel understood

You might be thinking:
“If I could just figure out why I’m different, maybe I could stop trying so hard to be normal—and just be me.”

That’s exactly what an autism assessment can help you do.

Why an Adult Autism Assessment Matters

Many autistic adults go undiagnosed for years. You may have been misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or told your struggles were “just anxiety” or “too much sensitivity.” If you’re female, BIPOC, or LGBTQIA+, the chances of being missed by traditional models are even higher.

But getting assessed—on your terms, with someone who sees you—can change everything.

A Diagnosis Can Help You:

Reframe your past through a new, compassionate lens
Access tailored strategies and accommodations
Understand how your brain works—and what it needs to thrive
Advocate for your needs without shame
Stop internalizing blame for challenges that aren’t your fault

This is about self-knowledge, not labels. It’s about building a life that works for you.

Common Misconceptions About Autism

Let’s clear the air:

Autistic people lack empathy → False. Many autistic adults are highly empathetic and deeply impacted by others’ emotions.
Autism only affects kids → False. Autism is lifelong—and many people aren’t diagnosed until adulthood.
Autism looks one way → False. Autism is diverse across gender, race, ability, and presentation.
You can’t be autistic if you’re verbal, successful, or social → False. Masking can be invisible and costly.

Diagnosis isn’t about proving autism. It’s about understanding your unique brain.

Who This Assessment Is For

You may benefit from an Adult Autism Assessment if:

You’ve always felt “different” or disconnected
You’ve struggled with burnout, masking, or sensory overload
You relate to descriptions of autism but never saw yourself in the stereotypes
You’re seeking language, insight, and validation
You’re ready to know yourself more clearly—without judgment

Our Adult Autism Assessment Process

I offer a clear, affirming process using gold-standard tools and clinical expertise. This includes:

Free Screening Tools

Before we begin, you can access complimentary online screeners to reflect on your traits:

RAADS 14 Item Screening Questionnaire

The RAADS 14-item screening questionnaire is another self-assessment tool that can be used to identify potential autism spectrum traits in adults. It includes questions about social interactions, communication, sensory issues, and repetitive behaviors commonly associated with autism.

This short questionnaire can provide individuals with a preliminary indication of whether they may benefit from seeking further evaluation for an autism diagnosis.

Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

The AQ is a valuable screening tool designed to assess autistic traits in adults. While the AQ is not a formal diagnostic tool, it is an initial step in the diagnostic process.

By highlighting potential autistic traits, the AQ can indicate whether further evaluation is necessary.

This can be particularly useful for those who have long wondered if their experiences align with autism spectrum disorder but have not yet sought a formal diagnosis.

Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)

The CAT-Q is a self-assessment tool designed to identify individuals who may be masking their autistic traits. Camouflaging, or “masking,” is a common strategy used by individuals on the autism spectrum to hide their authentic experiences and behaviors to fit in with neurotypical society. This can often lead to delayed or missed diagnoses, as well as increased stress and burnout for those who engage in camouflaging.

Modified Girls Questionnaire for Autism for Adult Women (GQ-ASC)

The GQ-ASC is a self-assessment questionnaire specifically designed for adult women on the autism spectrum. It takes into account the unique ways in which autistic traits and experiences may manifest in women, who are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to gender bias in traditional diagnostic tools. The GQ-ASC can help you better understand their own experiences and potentially identify as autistic even if they have not received a formal diagnosis.

Our Unique Adult Autism Assessment Process

Diagnostic Tools and Methods You Can Trust

We utilize leading, scientifically validated tools as part of a comprehensive autism test to provide an accurate and detailed understanding of your experiences. These tools include:

MIDGAS-2 (Module for the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults)

This structured interview identifies adult autism traits by exploring patterns in your life experiences.

SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition)

This assessment evaluates social behaviors, highlighting areas where you may face challenges or excel.

Family of Origin Questionnaire and a Genogram

Two unique assessment tools are vital to understanding the impact of your family dynamics and relationships on your current experiences.

Our online assessments offer convenience and flexibility for your busy schedule. You can complete the process from the comfort of your home.

What You’ll Gain from an Adult Autism Assessment

Through this comprehensive evaluation, you will:

Understand your unique traits: Gain clarity on how autism may influence your thoughts, behaviors, and interactions.
Develop self-compassion: Recognize that your challenges are not due to personal failings but are part of a broader neurodivergent experience.
Learn actionable strategies: Discover tailored approaches to improve relationships, self-care routines, and professional life.

This understanding and diagnosis can provide clarity and validation. They can also empower you to take control of your life, advocate for your needs, and build a supportive environment that honors your authentic self.

Understanding the Costs and Investment of an Adult Autism Assessment

Investing in an accurate mental health assessment for autistic people is crucial for effective treatment and support. While cost is an important consideration, prioritizing a qualified professional ensures you receive a thorough evaluation and therapy along the way and the insights you need to move forward confidently. Here’s a breakdown of an Adult Autism Assessment

Diagnostic Assessment Cost: $1,500

Completed over five 50-minute therapy sessions

Report Fees:

*If desired

Diagnostic Note: $200
Diagnostic Summary Report: $400
Comprehensive Evaluation Report: $800

Additional Assessment Fees:

- SPM-2 (Social Perception Module, Second Edition): $300
- Alexithymia Assessment: $300
- Pathological Demand Avoidance Assessment (PDA): $300

Accommodation Letters:

For Employment or Education: $200

Payment: Out-of-pocket payment is required. We do not accept insurance, but we can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please get in touch with your insurance company before the Adult Autism Assessment to inquire about how much of the assessment process they will potentially reimburse you for once we are complete.

Common Questions

What if I'm not autistic?

Then you still leave with valuable insights. The process supports you in understanding your neurotype—whatever the outcome.

Will this change how people see me?

Maybe. But more importantly, it will change how you see yourself. Most clients feel relieved, not labeled.

Will the process be overwhelming?

We break the assessment into five manageable sessions. Everything is explained clearly and at your pace.

Will my information be safe?

Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are strictly protected.

The Impact of a Diagnosis

A diagnosis doesn’t box you in. It frees you.

You’ll:

Stop blaming yourself for things you weren’t designed to do
Learn how to meet your sensory, emotional, and executive functioning needs
Build relationships where your boundaries and processing style are respected
Feel connected to a wider community of neurodivergent adults who get it

After the Assessment: What’s Next?

Many clients continue with:

Individual therapy to process the emotional impact of late diagnosis
Neurodivergent couples therapy to navigate relational challenges
Coaching for sensory needs, identity exploration, and unmasking

As a neurodivergent therapist myself, I offer post-diagnostic support that honors:

Who you are beneath the mask
How trauma or burnout may have shaped your identity
What it means to live more freely in your own truth

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Take the First Step Today

You’ve spent enough time wondering.
Let’s find answers—together.

We’ll explore your questions, talk through the process, and decide together whether an assessment is right for you.

You don’t have to keep hiding, explaining, or overfunctioning.

Take a breath.
Settle in.
I’m glad you’re here.