Young woman walking alone, reflecting on her autism diagnosis journey.
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling phrases like “Do I have Asperger’s?” or “How do I get tested for autism as an adult?”—you’re not alone. Many teens and adults go through life feeling “different,” “too much,” or like they’re constantly masking to fit in, only to later discover that undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be the missing piece.
At Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in autism evaluations for adolescents and adults—including those who were missed or misdiagnosed earlier in life.
Why So Many People Are Being Diagnosed with Autism Later in Life
For many, the signs of autism in childhood were subtle, masked, or mistaken for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or even just being “shy” or “sensitive.” Especially for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, autism often shows up in ways that traditional diagnostic tools overlook.
Common reasons adults seek an autism or Asperger’s evaluation:
- Difficulty with social interactions or small talk
- Emotional shutdowns or meltdowns after social events
- Exhaustion from masking or trying to “act normal”
What to Expect from an Autism Evaluation
At Thriving Wellness Center, we offer both in-person and virtual autism evaluations tailored to teens and adults. Our process is affirming, thorough, and designed to look beyond checklists to understand your lived experience.
Our evaluations:
- Do not rely on the ADOS alone (which often misses subtle adult presentations)
- Consider masking, trauma, and comorbidities like anxiety, OCD, and ADHD
- Include a clinical interview, validated questionnaires, and functional history
- Provide clear results and, if diagnosed, a signed diagnosis letter you can use for therapy, workplace accommodations, or educational supports
We also offer an optional, detailed diagnostic report that helps connect the dots between your symptoms and daily life challenges—this is often helpful for sharing with providers or accessing supports.
Autism Evaluations for Teens and Adults in New Jersey, New York, and Nationwide)
We offer evaluations virtually and in person at our Ridgewood, NJ office. Many of our clients come to us from across the state, or even from other parts of the country, for a more comprehensive and affirming evaluation experience.
“Do I Have Autism?” is a Valid Question
Getting evaluated isn’t about labeling yourself—it’s about understanding yourself. Whether you’ve resonated with autism content online, had a therapist recommend it, or just feel like something doesn’t add up, it’s okay to seek answers.
We’re here to help.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We're here to help create a world where neurodivergent individuals can thrive as their full, authentic selves. If you’re exploring the possibility of autism or ADHD, we’d be honored to support you on that journey.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, or go ahead and schedule your evaluation using this link.
