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Ever Wondered If You’re On The Spectrum?
- Have you always felt different and suspected you might be on the spectrum?
- Do you think you might have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but have yet to receive a formal diagnosis?
- Would knowing more about the available resources and accommodations you have access to help you embrace your neurodivergence, allowing you to lead an easier, more productive life?
You may have always known the way you move through the world isn’t “neurotypical.” For example, maybe you don’t intuitively understand and navigate social situations like those around you seem to do effortlessly. For you, it might feel like there are unspoken rules that everyone else knows about except you.
Or perhaps you get easily thrown off by a variation in your routine or an unexpected event. You may find that sensory overload can be difficult for you to process. However, when you react with big emotions, perhaps your loved ones can’t relate to how you experience the world. This lack of understanding puts strain on your relationships.
You Might Try To Hide Your Neurodiversity
Trying to figure out how to relate to others without them noticing that you’re different can be stressful and exhausting. Through careful observation and mimicry, you may have developed ways to present yourself as neurotypical. Although these workarounds can be effective, it takes a lot of effort to sustain “normalcy.” As a result, you may suffer from anxiety, imposter syndrome, and burnout.
At Scottsville Counseling Center, we hope to reach anyone who wonders if they may be on the spectrum. By offering adult autism testing and assessment, we can help you obtain an accurate diagnosis that can guide you toward helpful resources and treatment.
Autism Affects Two In One Hundred U.S. Adults
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 5,437,988 (2.21 percent) adults in the United States have ASD.” [1] Furthermore, research shows that about 1 in 36 children received an autism diagnosis in 2023, an increase from prior years. The Autism Society attributes the upsurge to “improved screening, awareness, and access to services among historically underserved groups.” [2]
In previous generations, less was known about autism. As children, we were often labeled as “socially awkward” without further investigation. This lack of awareness meant that many of us who were on the spectrum reached adulthood without ever having been diagnosed. Although we adapted to our circumstances, we missed out on access to resources that could have benefitted us.
Accommodations For Autism Can Be Beneficial
Without a diagnosis, accessing a pathway that supports success can be difficult. Although there are great resources for autism available—such as accommodations for work or school, support groups, medication, and customized treatment—they require a specific diagnosis.
In addition, getting family and friends to understand the legitimacy of our challenges can be bolstered by receiving a diagnosis. Without this understanding, we might continue to be impacted in our relationships, leading to stress, isolation, and overwhelm.
Fortunately, neurodivergence is more commonly recognized and accepted than it once was. With the results of an autism evaluation test, you will understand yourself better than you ever have and be granted access to tools and resources that can provide immense help.
Autism Testing Offers The Answers You’ve Been Looking For
As someone who is neurodiverse, you want clarity, understanding, and support. Although receiving a diagnosis may seem scary, it provides a sense of relief knowing there’s a name and a reason for your struggle. Rather than live under the pressure to pretend that you operate like everyone else, a diagnosis can guide you to treatment and resources that effectively harness your strengths.
What To Expect With Autism Testing
We utilize proven, evidence-based testing methods for autism that have been administered to thousands of people in a multitude of settings. Once you receive a precise and accurate diagnosis, you can tailor a treatment plan that best suits your needs. With a better understanding of who you are—and the acknowledgment that neurodivergence brings strengths along with it—your confidence and self-acceptance will grow.
We aim to provide a collaborative environment throughout the testing process that ensures all of your questions are answered and that you are seen and heard every step of the way. After you receive your diagnosis, we will shift gears and help you identify resources and treatment options.
The Autism Testing Process
We provide adults with a diagnostic assessment, evaluation, and testing of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, intelligence, achievement, personality, and executive functioning. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- As a private pay practice, we do not require referrals for autism testing;
- Before the first testing session, we initially schedule a 90-minute preliminary meeting to complete intake paperwork;
- Although testing for autism is usually completed within 5-6 hours, it may sometimes take up to 8 hours;
- For autism testing, we incorporate the ADOS™ assessment;
- The ASD evaluation process takes approximately one month before results will be ready to review with you;
- Once completed, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to review the report. We will provide you with recommendations for treatment options, resources, and possible accommodations you may want to consider;
- Any therapeutic services you may require for ongoing support—such as individual, couples, or family counseling tailored to your diagnosis, yoga, massage, or meditation—can be provided by Scottsville Counseling Center. With proper treatment, it is possible to experience a reduction in symptoms which can be tracked with further, occasional testing;
- The intake session is $150.00 and each additional hour of testing is billed at $100.00 per hour.
Our practice has worked with many neurodivergent adults who often share with us how feeling different leads to loneliness and anxiety. Although talk therapy provides tools, they want definitive data that helps them learn more about themselves. The ADOS™ assessment test for autism can help you better understand how your symptoms present and, with that knowledge, gain awareness of what makes you unique without having to feel ashamed or alone. Having the answers you’ve never had before can help you pave a solid path moving forward.
But Maybe You’re Not Sure If Autism Testing Is Right For You…
I often wonder if I might be on the autism spectrum but worry about the implications of receiving a formal diagnosis.
Understandably, you may be nervous about getting an autism spectrum assessment. Although there are many benefits to receiving a formal diagnosis of autism, it’s also a scary prospect for a lot of people. Because we are private pay and respect our client’s confidentiality, only you and the practitioner you meet with for autism testing will know the results. Who else you decide to share results with will be at your discretion.
Although I want to get an autism spectrum test, I’m not sure I can afford it.
Because our practice values your need to get answers, we offer affordable private pay rates so you can access our autism evaluation and assessment services. The initial 90-minute intake session is $150.00. Subsequent testing appointments will be billed at $100.00 per hour. For your convenience, they can be scheduled in 2-hour increments, so you can pay as you go with each visit. We can also determine if autism testing is an eligible out-of-network expense with your private insurance company.
Autism testing seems like it takes a lot of time and energy to conduct.
If you have a busy schedule and can’t come in during regular business hours, we offer morning, afternoon, and early evening appointments. Although we usually schedule autism testing in 2-hour blocks, we can schedule a 4-hour session if needed. We will be flexible with your schedule.
Get The Answers That Will Help Harness Your Neurodiversity
We are excited to partner with you on your journey to learn more about your unique strengths and follow your path towards success.