Autism Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment

I Have a Job and Friends, Can I Still Have Autism?

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it presents differently for each individual. The range of experiences, strengths, and challenges varies widely, making every journey with autism unique.

Within this spectrum, there is considerable variation in the severity and presentation of symptoms.

Autism is categorized into three levels based on the amount of support an individual needs:

• Level One (Requiring Support / High Functioning Autism): Individuals may have subtle social or communication difficulties and often develop coping strategies to navigate daily life. They typically have intact language skills and average to above-average intelligence, but may struggle with social nuances, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning.

• Level Two (Requiring Substantial Support): Individuals experience more noticeable challenges in social interactions, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. They require more consistent support to manage daily tasks and navigate social or occupational environments.

• Level Three (Requiring Very Substantial Support): Individuals have significant impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and often engage in repetitive behaviors. They typically require high levels of daily support for independence and functioning.

Individuals with Autism, Level One, can have a full-time job, friendships, and appear independent. Many receive their diagnosis later in life due to factors such as:

• Camouflaging or Masking: Developing strategies to mimic neurotypical behaviors.

• Social Expectations: Feeling “different” but trying to meet societal norms.

• Misdiagnosis: Anxiety, depression, or other conditions may be diagnosed instead of autism.

• Increasing Awareness: More adults are seeking evaluations and receiving diagnoses later in life.

Recognizing the spectrum and its three levels can help you understand your experiences and seek accurate assessment and personalized support tailored to your needs. Learn more about Autism Evaluations in New Jersey or Autism Evaluations in New York and take the first step toward clarity and support.

Understand Your Place on the Autism Spectrum

Gain clarity about your experiences and strengths with a comprehensive adult autism evaluation. Our assessments help identify your needs and guide personalized support strategies.

How Can an Adult Autism Diagnostic Evaluation Help Me?

A formal adult autism evaluation is the most reliable way to determine if you have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger Syndrome. Even if you’ve managed well in life, an evaluation can provide clarity, validation, and understanding of your unique neurodiverse profile.

Benefits include:

• Validation: Confirming that your experiences have a real, underlying cause.

• Self-Understanding: Making sense of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.

• Recognizing Strengths: Leveraging your attention to detail, focus, and problem-solving skills.

• Access to Resources: Support groups, therapies, and strategies tailored for adults with HFA.

• Targeted Strategies: Guidance for improving executive functioning and daily life management.

Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support

Receive validation, self-understanding, and actionable strategies tailored to your neurodiverse profile. Start your journey with a professional autism diagnostic evaluation today.

What Happens During an Autism Evaluation?

At Thriving Wellness Center, our comprehensive autism evaluations for teens and adults typically last 2 to 2.5 hours. We offer the convenience of in-person evaluations at our locations in Manhattan, New York, and Ridgewood, New Jersey, as well as virtual evaluations via secure telehealth, providing convenience and accessibility for all clients.

Our evaluations follow a thorough process designed to provide clarity, validation, and actionable recommendations:

1. Schedule Diagnostic Evaluation

Start by scheduling your evaluation online or contacting our office to find a time that works for you.

2. Intake Documentation

We gather detailed information about your symptoms, experiences, and concerns to guide the evaluation.

3. Diagnostic Evaluation

During your session, the clinician will:

• Conduct a clinical interview reviewing your history, daily functioning, and challenges.

• Work with you to complete several validated questionnaires to provide additional insights into your experiences.

4. After the Evaluation

Following your assessment, you will receive:

• Explanation of Diagnosis – A clear overview of whether you meet criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and what it means for you.

• Treatment Options & Personalized Plan – Evidence-based strategies and supports tailored to your strengths and challenges. Learn more about our autism therapy services.

• Diagnosis Letter – A detailed document summarizing results, diagnostic criteria met, severity level, and recommendations for next steps.

Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support

Start understanding your neurodiverse profile and access personalized guidance with a comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluation. Whether for work, school, or daily life, our evaluations provide clarity, validation, and actionable recommendations tailored to your needs.

Using Your Autism Diagnosis for Work & School Accommodations

A primary reason many teens and adults seek an autism evaluation is to gain access to the support and accommodations needed to succeed. A comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluation from Thriving Wellness Center provides the official documentation required to request reasonable accommodations in academic, professional, and testing environments.

Our evaluation report is designed to clearly outline your diagnosis, which is the first and most critical step in securing support.

How Our Autism Evaluation Empowers You:

While our comprehensive diagnostic reports are designed to meet the standards required by most educational institutions and workplaces, we always recommend a proactive approach. As a best practice, it is a good idea to confirm any specific documentation requirements with your school's student support office or your employer's HR department. This helps ensure the smoothest possible process for securing accommodations.

• Secure School Accommodations: Our diagnostic report serves as essential evidence for developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, ensuring access to resources like extended test times, preferential seating, or note-taking assistance.

• Request Workplace Accommodations: Use your official diagnosis letter to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such as a modified work schedule, a quieter office space, or clearer written instructions.

• Gain Personalized Strategies: Beyond accommodations, our report provides personalized guidance and actionable recommendations to improve communication, navigate social dynamics, and enhance relationships.

• Access Targeted Support: A formal diagnosis unlocks access to specialized autism therapy, coaching, and other support resources designed for autistic teens and adults.

Important Distinction: This Evaluation vs. Disability Benefit Claims (SSDI)

It is crucial to understand the specific purpose of our autism diagnostic evaluation. While it is comprehensive for diagnosing autism and securing accommodations, it is not a neuropsychological evaluation designed to determine eligibility for state or federal disability benefits.

Programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), unemployment, or housing assistance often require a different, more extensive type of assessment (a full neuropsychological evaluation) from a state-approved provider.

If your primary goal is to apply for state or federal disability benefits, we strongly recommend you contact the specific agency (e.g., the Social Security Administration) to confirm their exact assessment requirements before scheduling an evaluation.

Differences between an autism diagnostic evaluation and neuropsychological assessments.

Adult Autism Symptoms Checklist: Recognizing Signs of Autism in Adults

Have you ever felt like you experience the world differently from those around you? Recognizing the signs of autism in yourself as an adult is the first step toward self-understanding and empowerment. Autism presents uniquely in every individual, but there are common patterns of experience. If you identify with several of the traits on this checklist, a comprehensive autism evaluation could provide the clarity you’re seeking.

Common Social and Communication Signs in Adults

• Finding it difficult to understand the intentions, thoughts, or feelings of others (social intuition).

• Feeling a high degree of anxiety or exhaustion in social situations.

• Experiencing challenges in making or keeping friends, or having a strong preference for solitude.

• Being told you come across as blunt, disinterested, or impolite without meaning to.

• Struggling to interpret non-verbal cues like sarcasm, humor, or indirect language.

Sensory, Behavioral, and Cognitive Signs in Adults

• A heightened sensitivity to sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or specific textures.

• A strong need for routine and predictability, and feeling distressed or anxious when plans change unexpectedly.

• Finding eye contact uncomfortable or avoiding it altogether.

• Having difficulty identifying or expressing your own emotions (alexithymia).

• Possessing an exceptional attention to detail, patterns, or specific sensory information.

• Developing deep, passionate interests in specific topics or activities (often called "special interests").

What Does Autism in Adults Actually Look Like?

Autism is a spectrum, not a single personality type. There is no “one-size-fits-all” presentation. Autistic adults exhibit a wide range of strengths, challenges, and personality styles. For a more detailed exploration, you can review our resources on the Signs of Adult Autism and use our Adult Autism Checklist.

It's also common for adults to wonder about past terminology. To clarify how diagnostic terms have evolved, you can learn more here: Asperger’s vs Autism: What’s the Difference?

Ready for Clarity? Adult Autism Testing and Diagnosis

If this checklist resonates with your personal experience, the next step is to seek a professional diagnosis. Thriving Wellness Center offers comprehensive autism testing and diagnostic evaluations for adults and teens. We provide services both in-person in our Ridgewood, NJ, and New York, NY offices and virtually. Our evaluations are designed to provide you with validation, clarity, and actionable strategies tailored to your unique, neurodiverse profile.

If you're looking for Autism Evaluations in New Jersey or Autism Evaluations in New York, we're here to help. Take the first step toward clarity and support.

Take the First Step Toward Understanding

Receive a clear diagnosis, practical recommendations, and personalized guidance from our experienced clinicians.