Adult Autism Testing

Adult autism testing is a diagnostic assessment procedure designed to evaluate whether a person fulfills the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. A neurodevelopmental disease called autism impacts social behavior and communication. Autism symptoms may include communication issues, repetitive behaviors, and trouble interacting in social situations. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer adult autism testing so that you can get the clarity and support you need regarding your condition. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1710 Douglas Dr N STE 204, Golden Valley, MN 55422.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically affects behaviour and communication. As Autism is a spectrum disorder, signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe and can look different from person to person. Symptoms may include repetitive behaviors, diminished social communication, limited interests, and physiological and psychological rigidity.

While there are no known causes of autism, the current research suggests that it’s development may be contributed to multiple influences, such as genetics and environmental and biological factors.

Can adults be autistic and not know?

While many autistic people receive their diagnosis during childhood, it’s not uncommon for someone to go undiagnosed until later in their lives.

It’s very possible for autism to go undiagnosed as a child, especially if the person is “high functioning” – meaning their symptoms are not as visible or as disruptive, compared to some others struggling with the same condition. In some situations, those with autism may not have had proper medical access when they were younger which can also lead to delayed diagnosis.

For an autistic person that was not diagnosed during childhood, receiving an ASD diagnosis can be extremely helpful and is often a relief for many. With a better understanding of their diagnosis and all it entails, patients can gain access to the services and support they need to improve their overall quality of life.

What are the symptoms of autism in adults?

Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may display a range of signs and symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. These symptoms include:

– Adhering to a strict routine every day and getting very anxious if/when it changes.
– Avoiding eye contact.
– Finding it difficult to make friends.
– Finding it difficult to put words to how you’re feeling.
– Finding it hard to understand or empathize with what others are thinking or feeling.
– Getting anxious in or about social situations.
– Getting upset if someone encroaches on your personal space or touches you.
– Having very keen interest in certain subjects, tasks, or activities.
– Liking to have a plan for things and feeling uncomfortable if those plans change.
– Not being aware of personal space and getting too close to other people.
– Not understanding social cues and “rules”.
– Noticing small details, patterns, or stimuli that others don’t.
– Preferring to be on your own because other people don’t really make sense to you.
– Seeming blunt, rude, or uninterested in other people without meaning to.
– Taking sarcasm or certain types of phrases very literally.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms will vary in their presentation, over time, and in terms of severity.

How do you tell if you are undiagnosed autistic?

While severe forms of autism are typically diagnosed in the first two years of a child’s life, high-functioning individuals may not receive a diagnosis till further down the line. Those with undiagnosed autism may display symptoms that affect their social interactions, the way they verbally and non-verbally communicate, and how they behave in certain situations or settings.

Symptoms that may be indicative of autism are:

– Difficulty keeping up or understanding conversations.
– Difficulty making friends or preferring to be alone.
– Difficulty putting words to their feelings.
– Difficulty regulating emotions.
– Difficulty understanding or empathizing with what others are thinking or feeling.
– Engaging in repetitive behaviors, which may take the form of routines.
– Exhibiting strong, special interests.
– Feeling uncomfortable with physical touch.
– Having very rigid rules or plans and feeling uncomfortable if they change.
– Not giving enough personal space to others.
– Participating in a very particular range of activities.
– Seeming blunt, rude, or uninterested in other people without meaning to.
– Strict daily routines and discomfort when those routines change for any reason.
– Trouble interpreting facial expressions, social cues, sarcasm, and/or body language.
– Trouble maintaining eye contact.

If you think that you may have autism, the best way to confirm is to schedule in for an evaluation with your primary physician or a mental health specialist. They will be able to perform the appropriate testing to either confirm, or deny, a diagnosis of autism.

Can autism develop later in life?

While autism can be diagnosed later in life, it cannot develop later in life. This is because ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning that begins during childhood and persists into adulthood. Therefore, if you have autism as an adult, you also had it as a child – no exceptions.
 
At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer adult autism testing so that you can get the answers you need to move forward. Our team of experienced and professional specialists are ready and willing to help you get an accurate diagnosis that reflects your symptoms. Connect with us today for more information about our autism testing services or book in online for an appointment at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Golden Valley MN, Minneapolis MN, Brooklyn Park MN, Plymouth MN, Saint Louis Park MN, Hopkins, MN, and surrounding areas.