Autism Testing
Are You Seeking An Autism Evaluation Test For Your Child?
Have you noticed that your child seems exceptionally sensitive to sensory stimuli and minor changes in their daily routines? Do they lack interest in making friends at school and have difficulty navigating typical social situations with their peers? Do they lack emotions or affect?
If your child has started school, you might be concerned about their academic and social development. They may have difficulty connecting with classmates and peers
Do you suspect that your child is experiencing developmental delays? You may have noticed your child engaging in repetitive behaviors when they become overwhelmed or avoiding eye contact when interacting with others. Lately, you’ve started to wonder if your child might have an autism spectrum or other neurodevelopmental disorder but aren’t sure what steps to take for them to get a full neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis.
Are You Seeking An Autism Evaluation Test For Yourself Or Another Adult?
Sometimes, children who display symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not diagnosed until later in life. Their families might not have had access to testing, or their parents may not have known which symptoms to look out for.
Maybe you’ve had difficulty forming friendships and romantic relationships throughout your life, and you’re wondering why you’ve always had trouble deciphering the social “rules” that seem so intuitive to everyone else. You might communicate in a more direct, literal fashion than other people, which leads to misunderstandings.
At Lift Wellness Group, we provide autism testing and diagnoses for children and adults. Furthermore, we offer additional support services, including individual and family therapy and coaching, academic support, and referrals to external service providers when appropriate.
Children And Adults Alike Can Struggle With Undiagnosed Autism
Rates of autism have been increasing in recent years. Today, approximately 1 out of 36 children and 1 out of 44 adults are diagnosed with autism (1). While boys are nearly four times more likely to receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis than girls, there is a growing awareness about the importance of autism testing and treatment for women and girls so that their needs are not overlooked.
People with undiagnosed autism might experience low self-worth because they don’t understand why they struggle in situations that other people handle with ease. Additionally, early detection and intervention can empower children with autism to thrive, whereas a lack of appropriate support can hinder their development.
An Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis Opens The Door For Support
Even if your child is exhibiting symptoms of autism, or you’re wondering if an autism spectrum disorder is the reason that you’ve struggled in academic, professional, and social settings throughout your life, you might still be hesitant to seek evaluations for yourself or your child. You can’t help but worry about what an official diagnosis might mean for your child’s future or your own.
It’s important to understand that an autism diagnosis is not a limiting label. Instead, it opens the door to treatments and support resources that might not have been available to you without an official diagnosis. The right support services can help people with autism foster greater independence. Overall, assessments are a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum as well as their families.
Autism Assessments Can Provide You With Valuable Insights
With robust support services and personalized therapeutic strategies, people with autism can lead meaningful lives, embrace their unique strengths, and achieve their goals. By pursuing autism testing, you pave the way for a brighter future for yourself or your child.
Autism testing is appropriate for all ages and demographics, and evaluations can provide adults, children, and their families with the answers they need to change their lives for the better. Additionally, autism testing can help you rule out other possible explanations for these symptoms.
How The Autism Testing Process Works
We offer autism testing in person at our office in Westport, Connecticut. We request that clients bring in any results from previous testing if applicable. Clients should plan for the testing process to take anywhere from one to five hours. Children often need multiple test sessions, while most adolescents and adults can complete the process in one day.
Throughout the testing process, we evaluate cognitive ability, academic functioning, visual-motor skill, attention, learning, memory, social thinking, psychological symptoms, personality, and overall functioning compared to same-aged peers. We’ll assess skill areas and behaviors like executive functioning, memory, visual skills, communication, and more. For children being evaluated for autism, parents will be involved in some assessment activities.
Once testing is complete and the results have been processed, our clinician will share the results in a meeting with the child and their parents present. Results are typically ready within one to two weeks of the final testing session.
Finding Support After An Autism Diagnosis
For children with ASD, early intervention can make a significant difference in their quality of life. If your child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, we can assist you in working with their school to establish an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan that they are entitled to by law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1990) so that they can receive critical academic support and accommodations, both in the classroom as well as outside the classroom in their school environment.
Lift Wellness offers comprehensive support services for children who have been diagnosed with ASD. You can schedule appointments for child therapy and family therapy at our office. If your child needs specific support services that we do not offer at our practice, we can refer you to a reputable external provider.
What if you receive an autism diagnosis well into adulthood? As an adult, you can still benefit from an autism spectrum disorder assessment. For example, with an official diagnosis, you can request reasonable accommodations at work, which can help you better manage your workload.
You’ll gain insights about factors that might harm your wellbeing, and you can take steps to change your environment and improve your routines. You may also be interested in working with a therapist who helps adults with ASD build fulfilling lives without trying to suppress who they are.
Living with ASD can present challenges. But with a diagnosis and a clear support plan, this journey also offers opportunities for growth, understanding, and connection.
But You May Still Have Questions About Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluations…
I’m worried that an autism diagnosis will lead to stigmatization for myself or my child.
Over the past few decades, society’s understanding of ASD has evolved in a positive direction. Autism Spectrum Disorders are recognized as neurological differences on a spectrum, not as a deficiency or an indication of personal failure. While there are still some lingering misconceptions about autism, a diagnosis should never lead to stigmatization or negative labels. In fact, receiving a diagnosis can feel empowering, as it grants you access to beneficial support services.
How will an autism diagnosis impact my or my child’s life?
Autism is a spectrum, so every individual who pursues a test and receives a diagnosis will have a slightly different experience. It can be a relief to finally have an answer as to why your child has experienced certain challenges or why you feel “different” from neurotypical people. Most importantly, a diagnosis allows you to proactively address these challenges with resources and supports for your specific needs.
Does the testing process include evaluations for other disorders?
During the autism testing process, you will also be evaluated for other conditions and common co-occurring disorders. Depending on the specific symptom presentation, this could include mood, personality, and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and learning disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, and eating disorders. This comprehensive approach considers all aspects of your mental and physical health for a more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Through Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing, You Can Gain Clarity And Supportive Resources
Autism testing can help people gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what kinds of support they need to thrive. To schedule an autism spectrum disorder diagnostic assessment for yourself or your child, fill out our contact form or call us at 203-908-5603.
(1) https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd