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What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world, including communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and patterns of thinking. In adults, autism often shows up in subtle or misunderstood ways—such as chronic masking, feeling “out of sync” with others, sensory overwhelm, or long-standing exhaustion from trying to fit in. Many adults reach this understanding later in life, after years of being misread or misdiagnosed. An autism evaluation isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about gaining accurate language for your experiences, validating your identity, and understanding your needs with greater clarity and self-compassion.
The Weight of Unanswered Questions
The Weight of Unanswered Questions
There are heavy questions that some of us carry from childhood into adulthood that begin to weigh us down. Questions about our pervasive patterns of behavior, emotional responses, and ability to connect with people tend to be the heaviest. As you begin to sort out why you've felt different from others, the thought of Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) often pops up. As the word spectrum indicates, an adult diagnosed with ASD may experience a range of symptoms, including (but not limited to):
Social Communication Differences: You might find yourself struggling with unwritten social cues, feeling exhausted after social situations, having difficulty with small talk or casual conversations, or preferring direct, literal communication over subtle implications. These social communication challenges are common signs of autism in adults.
Sensory Processing Issues: Everyday sensory experiences like fluorescent lighting, certain textures, or background noise might feel overwhelming, or conversely, you might seek out specific sensory inputs. These sensory sensitivities can significantly impact daily life and are important indicators during autism assessment.
Need for Routine and Predictability: Changes to established routines or unexpected disruptions might cause significant distress, while familiar patterns provide comfort and stability. This need for structure is one of the common signs that autistic adults report.
Intense Interests: Deep, focused interests that bring genuine passion and expertise, often extending beyond what others might consider typical hobby levels. These intense interests are a core feature of the autism spectrum.
Repetitive Behaviors: Subtle repetitive behaviors or movement patterns that provide comfort or help with regulation, which may be less obvious in autistic adults who have learned to mask these behaviors in social occasions.
Finding answers and relief can start by engaging in a comprehensive online Autism testing session with a licensed professional. You may feel both relief and stress just thinking about allowing a psychologist into your unique world. As a neurodivergent individual myself, I understand the importance of neuroaffirming care and provide flexible, supportive, and quality testing services online that may lead to the answers you deserve.
Adult Autism Testing Process
Adult Autism Testing Process
While online autism assessment tools can provide initial insights, they cannot replace the thorough assessment required for an accurate autism diagnosis. A formal autism diagnosis serves many purposes including offering you a deeper understanding of yourself, helping you make sense of lifelong experiences, and assisting you in gaining workplace or school accommodations or support services.
Below is the overall structure of my testing process. Keep in mind that everything is flexible and I'm able to accommodate testing to suit your neurodiverse needs.
Initial Consultation (15 minutes)
We'll have a brief phone conversation to discuss your needs and determine if my services can be helpful. If we decide to move forward - we'll schedule an online testing time. If you have medical or mental health records for my review please let me know during our call!
Comprehensive Clinical Interview (60-90 minutes)
In a clinical interview I'll be asking you questions about your medical, mental health, school, and family history. We'll explore your current concerns, how they've impacted your life.
Online Testing (3-5 hours)
You’ll be administered a variety of structured questionnaires, self-report checklists, and other tasks. Everything can be done at your own pace and it's important to complete them in privacy and without distraction. Afterwards, I'll score, review, and analyze your answers.
Feedback Session (60 minutes)
During your feedback session we'll go over your results and diagnosis. It's important that we take time to review any of your questions and my recommendations. Afterwards, you’ll receive a comprehensive written report that highlights your strengths, testing results, and diagnostic impressions.
Next Steps
Next Steps
When you've been made to feel less than simply because you don't fit into a neatly organized box - finding your way towards success or proactively advocating for yourself can feel uncomfortable. My goal is to provide you with warmth, non-judgmental curiosity, and quality testing services that leave no stone unturned.
Neuroaffirming care is not just a label - it's a foundational principle that shapes the services I provide here at Noir Psychology. The online testing services I offer are designed to be flexible, secure, and have the potential to be transformational for adults. My experience in working with neurodiversity among black adults and LGBTQIA+ communities has provided me with the insight and the lived experience necessary to make your online testing experience welcoming and supportive.
To get started, contact me today for a free 15-minute phone consultation. If you are ready to schedule your testing, please fill out and submit this form. If you'd like to get to know me better, check out my bio or learn about my other services.
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