Can autism testing help adults who were never diagnosed as children? Yes. A comprehensive autism evaluation in Michigan can help adults better understand longstanding differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing that may have gone unrecognized or undiagnosed during childhood.
Autism testing is commonly associated with children. But the truth is, many individuals reach adulthood without ever being evaluated when they were younger – despite experiencing certain challenges as children.
For these adults, autism testing by licensed Michigan psychologists can provide them with the answers they have been seeking for years.
Why Does Autism Sometimes Go Undiagnosed Until Adulthood?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically manifests in the early developmental years. However, sometimes those characteristics aren’t identified during childhood, with many adults having to live with challenges for decades. It can be frustrating to not have a clear diagnosis, but the good news is, autism testing can clear up those frustrations and finally provide some clarity.
Here are some common reasons why many people reach adulthood without an autism diagnosis:
- Parents or teachers may not have picked up on certain social or communication cues because they weren’t obvious.
- Some people learn coping strategies on their own early on, helping them navigate social situations that downplay their difficulties. (Learn more about masking and autism burnout.)
- Autism awareness and diagnostic practices have changed remarkably over the last couple of decades.
- Other diagnoses such as anxiety or ADHD may have overshadowed the symptoms of autism.
- Many adults simply never had access to testing and therefore never received the evaluations that could have helped them as a child.
Once individuals reach adulthood, they tend to recognize their challenges as something that can be addressed, and start advocating for themselves through the lens of clarity.
6 Signs You Can Benefit From Autism Testing as an Adult
Autism looks different from one individual to the next.
Some adults with undiagnosed autism may:
- Find it difficult to interpret facial expressions, tone of voice, or unspoken social expectations
- Feel exhausted after social interactions
- Have trouble navigating unfamiliar social situations
- Rely heavily on predictable routines
- Be sensitive to certain sounds, lights, textures, or environments
- Be hyper-focused on interests or activities
Now, just because you may have ticked a couple of these boxes doesn’t necessarily mean you have autism. But it’s worth a closer look to find out for sure. That’s where a professional assessment comes in.
What Happens During Adult Autism Testing?
A comprehensive evaluation for adult autism may include (see how autism is diagnosed for more detail):
- A clinical interview where you and your psychologist talk about your concerns, developmental history, relationships, and everyday experiences.
- Developmental background exploration that reviews childhood behaviors and experiences.
- Standardized assessments to evaluate social communication, behavior, and related characteristics.
- Additional psychological testing to explore cognitive functioning or mental health concerns when necessary.
- Feedback and recommendations to explain findings and go over next steps.
What Are the Benefits of Receiving an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult?
Many adults who have lived with challenges all their lives simply want a clear answer so they can take steps to get help. A professional diagnosis not only validates what they may have known for years, it clears up experiences that previously were confusing or hard to explain.
Adults who are diagnosed with autism may gain:
- More insight into their strengths and challenges
- A better understanding of social and communication difficulties
- Guidance on accommodations in the workplace or school
- Connection with counseling or support services
- Stronger communication with family members and partners
Not every evaluation results in an autism diagnosis, but even the lack of a diagnosis can help individuals rule out one possibility and explore another.
Learn More About Adult Autism Testing at CNLD
Contact CNLD at (734) 724-5548 to learn more about testing and evaluation services and whether an adult autism assessment in Ann Arbor may benefit you.
