adult autism evaluations
why adults seek an autism evaluation
Many adults begin wondering about autism after years of feeling different without fully understanding why. You may have learned to mask, rehearse conversations, push through sensory discomfort, or recover privately after social situations. What looks manageable from the outside may require an enormous amount of effort.
A thoughtful evaluation looks at your whole history—not just one test score. It considers social communication, sensory experiences, routines, interests, masking, relationships, work or school experiences, and other conditions that may overlap with autism.
An evaluation isn’t about putting you in a box. It can help you make sense of longstanding patterns, better understand your needs, and decide what kinds of support may be helpful.
what the evaluation includes
Each evaluation is individualized and includes a clinical interview, a careful review of your developmental and personal history, standardized autism-specific measures, and an assessment of related emotional, behavioral, and day-to-day functioning. When helpful and with your permission, I may also review previous records or gather information from someone who knew you earlier in life.
No single test can capture the full picture. I do not base a diagnosis on the ADOS-2 alone. The results of each measure are considered together with your history, experiences, strengths, and current concerns.
At the end of the evaluation, we will meet to review the findings, answer your questions, and discuss recommendations. The fee for a comprehensive adult autism evaluation is $1,600. Some BCBS and Aetna plans may cover all or part of the evaluation, depending on your specific benefits. My billing specialist can verify your benefits before the evaluation is scheduled, although verification does not guarantee payment.