I have a job and friends, can I still have Autism?

One of the key understandings that has emerged in recent years is that autism exists on a spectrum, hence the term "spectrum disorder." This spectrum encompasses a wide array of experiences, challenges, and strengths, making each individual's journey with autism unique.

Within this spectrum, there is considerable variation in the severity and presentation of symptoms. On one end of the spectrum, referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder - Level Three, you find individuals with more severe forms of autism who often rely on significant support in their daily lives. These individuals typically face significant challenges in areas such as communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, known as Autism Spectrum Disorder - Level One, you encounter individuals with milder forms of autism, also referred to as High Functioning Autism or Highly Functioning Autism. These individuals typically possess intact language skills and demonstrate average to above-average intellectual abilities. Their autism-related difficulties may be less apparent to others, leading to a higher likelihood of remaining undetected and undiagnosed.

The experience of individuals with milder forms of autism is marked by a unique set of strengths and challenges. They may excel in specific areas, such as attention to detail, pattern recognition, and deep focus on their interests. However, they may also struggle with social nuances, sensory sensitivities, and navigating the complexities of social interactions.

One common trend among individuals with milder forms of autism is that they often receive their diagnosis later in life, sometimes not until adolescence or adulthood. There are several reasons for this delayed diagnosis:

• Camouflaging and Masking: Many individuals with milder forms of autism develop coping mechanisms and strategies to "camouflage" or mask their autistic traits. They may imitate neurotypical behaviors, making it challenging for others to recognize their underlying neurodiversity.

• Social Expectations: Society's expectations for social behavior often do not align with the experiences of individuals with milder forms of autism. As a result, they may internalize feelings of being different or "wrong," which can delay seeking a diagnosis.

• Misdiagnosis: Some individuals may receive misdiagnoses, such as anxiety or depression, instead of autism. This misidentification can lead to a delay in receiving the appropriate support and understanding.

• Increasing Awareness: As awareness of autism and its various presentations has grown, more adults have sought evaluations and received diagnoses later in life.

How can an adult autism evaluation help me?

Seeking a formal evaluation and diagnosis is the only definitive way to determine whether you have Autism or Asperger Syndrome. While this step may seem daunting, it can bring a range of valuable outcomes, each unique to the individual.

An Autism diagnosis can:

• Validation and Acceptance: Formally acknowledge what you may have suspected for some time, validating your experiences and feelings and affirming that there's a genuine reason behind the challenges you face.

• Self-understanding: Offer much-needed clarity, untangling the web of confusing symptoms, behaviors, and emotions, helping you understand why you think and act the way you do. This clarity can be a source of relief, as it finally provides answers to long-standing questions.

• Understanding Your Strengths: Empower you to embrace their neurodiversity, your unique strengths and characteristics. This journey can lead to increased self-confidence, improved self-esteem, and a more positive self-image.

• Access to Resources: A diagnosis may grant you access to specific resources, support groups, and therapies tailored to individuals with HFA. These resources can assist you in enhancing certain skills and coping with challenges.

• Treatment and Strategies: While you've managed your life effectively, a diagnosis can offer insights into specific areas where you may benefit from targeted treatment or strategies. It can help you refine your self-management techniques.

• Advocacy: Some individuals with HFA choose to advocate for neurodiversity and educate others about the condition. A formal diagnosis can lend credibility to your advocacy efforts.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an Autism evaluation is a deeply personal one. It's an essential step on the path to self-discovery, self-acceptance, and a better understanding of how to navigate the world with neurodiversity.

What Happens During an Autism Evaluation?

The Adult Autism Evaluations at The Thriving Wellness Center take two to two and a half hours to complete. These evaluations and sessions can be conducted either online or in person, with our convenient locations in Manhattan, New York, and Hackensack, New Jersey. The evaluation for Autism (Asperger) comprises various essential components, which encompass:

• Intake Documentation: This phase involves gathering essential information by asking questions about your specific symptoms and experiences.

• Clinical Interview: During the clinical interview, various aspects of your life are thoroughly examined. This includes an exploration of your academic and professional history, daily functioning, challenges and strengths, relationship history, personality traits, and physical development. The interview aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of your experiences. Detailed questions are necessary to eliminate other conditions that present similar to Autism like avoidant personality disorder, depression, social anxiety, learning disabilities, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• Self-Report Questionnaires: After the clinical interview, you will fill out self-report questionnaires with the clinician. These questionnaires can offer valuable insights into your experiences and symptoms.

• Explanation of Autism Spectrum Diagnosis: The evaluating clinician will provide an explanation of what Autism Spectrum Disorder entails. They will discuss whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD and provide a clear rationale for the diagnosis or the absence of it.

• Treatment Options and Treatment Plan: You will receive information about potential treatment options and a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

If diagnosed a diagnosis letter is provided. This letter contains important information, including patient details, the date of diagnosis, diagnostic criteria met, diagnostic results, severity level, assessment details, and recommendations for treatment. Additionally, the letter includes information about your healthcare provider.

This thorough evaluation process aims to provide you with a clear understanding of your condition, tailored recommendations, and a foundation for moving forward in managing your unique experiences and needs.

What is the Difference Between an Autism Evaluation and a Neuropsychological Assessment?

Some clinicians recommend an expensive, eight-hour, neuropsychological assessment to determine a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Asperger Syndrome. The neuropsychological assessment is usually carried out by a psychologist who specializes in testing. This is generally not necessary to obtain a diagnosis of ASD. Some reasons for obtaining this neuropsychological assessment include having other serious co-occurring mental health conditions, brain injuries, or if a neuropsychological assessment is being specifically asked for to obtain certain accommodations. Usually, an Autism Evaluation is sufficient enough to gain work accommodations if that is what you seek.

Click here for more information about the differences between an autism diagnostic evaluation and neuropsychological assessments.