Who Tests for Autism in Adults

Who Tests for Autism in Adults: Understanding Your Options

At Haven Health and Wellness, we know that discovering you might be autistic as an adult can be both enlightening and overwhelming. Many teens and adults—especially those who are high masking or have been late diagnosed—may have lived years without knowing why they feel different. If you’re wondering who tests for autism in adults, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Understanding Autism in Adults

Autism isn’t just a childhood condition. Many adults realize they’re autistic later in life. Traits can go unnoticed or be misunderstood for years. Increased awareness has led more people, like you, to seek evaluations.

Recognizing Traits in Yourself

You might have noticed:

Social Challenges: Difficulty with small talk, feeling out of place in social situations, or preferring deep conversations over casual ones.
Sensory Sensitivities: Being sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or specific tastes.
Emotional Differences: Experiencing strong emotions, anxiety, or finding it hard to manage feelings.

Understanding these traits can help you decide if pursuing an evaluation is right for you.

Who Can Diagnose Autism in Adults?

Qualified professionals who can assess and diagnose autism in adults include:

- Licensed Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Neurologists
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Naturopathic Physicians

LMHC Therapists (However, their diagnosis does not qualify for disability or state support services.)

At Haven Health and Wellness, Dr. Lana Ferris specializes in neuro-affirming autism assessments for teens and adults in Washington (WA) and Oregon (OR).

Steps to Pursue an Autism Diagnosis

1. Reach Out to Schedule Your Intake Appointment

Easy Scheduling: You can call, text, email or schedule online—whichever method you prefer.
Location Requirement: You must be located in Washington or Oregon during your appointment, as we are licensed in these states.

2. Initial Intake Appointment

What to Expect: We’ll have a conversation about your experiences, challenges, and what you hope to gain from the assessment.
Why It Matters: This helps us understand your needs and ensures a personalized evaluation.

3. Comprehensive Assessment

We use neuro-affirming tools that focus on your self-reported experiences:

MIGDAS: A sensory-based interview focusing on your unique experiences.
RAADS-R: A self-assessment exploring social connections and sensory experiences.
CAT-Q: Evaluates how you might be masking traits in social situations.
Sensory Profile: Assesses your sensory processing preferences, which aids in understanding how various sensory inputs impact your daily life and comfort.
Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2): Evaluates social awareness, cognition, communication, and motivation to provide a deeper understanding of how you interact within social contexts.
Brown Executive Functioning Scale: Focuses on executive functioning skills like organization, memory, and attention to help us identify strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial.

4. Making You Comfortable During the Evaluation

Flexible Communication: Choose the communication method that suits you—speaking, writing, or using an AAC device.
Sensory-Friendly Environment: Our office has low lighting and minimal background noise. We also offer telehealth options if you prefer.

Benefits of Obtaining a Diagnosis

Understanding Yourself Better

Validation: A diagnosis can provide clarity and affirm your experiences.
Self-Acceptance: Helps you embrace your neurodivergent identity.

Access to Support and Resources

Accommodations: Ability to request support at work, school, or in social settings.
Community: Connect with others who share similar experiences.

Serving Our Community in Washington and Oregon

We proudly serve teens and adults in:

Portland Areas:

Irvington
Alameda
Sabin
Lake Oswego
Camas
Ridgefield
West Linn
Sherwood
Happy Valley
And more

Vancouver Areas:

Felida
Hockinson
Among others

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If you’re considering an autism assessment or seeking support, we’re here to help.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Intake Appointment

Phone: 1-360-450-5778
Website: drlanaferris.com
Email: Hello@drlanaferris.com

You can call, text, email or schedule online—whichever method is most convenient for you.

Please note: You must be located in Washington or Oregon at the time of your appointment.

At Haven Health and Wellness, we’re dedicated to providing a safe, affirming space where you can explore your identity and access the support you need. We’re here to listen, understand, and empower you on your journey toward self-understanding and acceptance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.