What Happens During an Adult Autism Assessment?

One of the biggest reasons adults delay getting an autism assessment is simple:

They don't know what to expect.

Some people imagine they'll spend hours answering strange questions.

Others worry they'll be judged, analyzed, or expected to "prove" they're autistic.

Many wonder if they'll accidentally say the wrong thing and affect the results.

Fortunately, that's not how a comprehensive assessment works.

Our goal isn't to catch you saying the "right" or "wrong" things.

Our goal is to understand you.

There isn't a test you can pass or fail.

This surprises a lot of people.

Autism isn't diagnosed by a single questionnaire.

There isn't one magic test that tells us the answer.

Instead, a quality assessment looks at many different pieces of information and asks an important question:

What explanation best fits this person's lifelong experiences?

That means we're interested in patterns—not isolated symptoms.

Before we meet

Before your appointments, you'll complete intake paperwork and questionnaires that help us begin understanding your history and current concerns.

These forms aren't designed to determine whether you're autistic.

They simply give us a starting point for our conversations.

During your assessment

• First Appointment: history taking - this is standard, required by insurance

• Second Appointment: online assessments - these are similar to online quizzes that you likely have done in the past but they are on legitimate testing platforms

• Third Appointment: MIDGAS2 Interview - this is a conversational appointment where we will ask you about your experiences with things like: special interests, sensory sensitivities, social and communication history, etc.

Your assessment is a conversation -not an interrogation.

We'll spend time talking about topics such as:

• What brought you in now.

• Your childhood and early development.

• Friendships and relationships.

• School and work experiences.

• Communication style.

• Sensory experiences.

• Daily routines.

• Interests and hobbies.

• Executive functioning.

• Strengths.

• Challenges.

• The strategies you've developed to navigate everyday life.

Many adults tell us this is the first time they've had an opportunity to tell their whole story.

We also use standardized assessment tools.

Along with our clinical interviews, we use evidence-based assessment measures to gather additional information.

Different people complete different measures depending on their history and presentation.

These tools are important.

But they don't replace clinical judgment.

Assessment isn't about adding up points.

It's about understanding the person sitting in front of us.

What if I've learned to hide my struggles?

Many adults worry they'll "look too normal."

This is especially common among people who have spent years masking.

Remember...

We're not evaluating how you behave during one appointment.

We're looking at your lifelong experiences.

Part of our job is understanding not only what you do, but how much effort it takes to do it.

We also consider other explanations.

One of the most important parts of an autism assessment is asking:

Could something else better explain these experiences?

Autism shares characteristics with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sensory processing differences, depression, and other conditions.

Sometimes autism is the best explanation.

Sometimes another diagnosis fits better.

Sometimes several conditions exist together.

Our responsibility is to carefully consider the whole picture rather than jumping to conclusions.

Your feedback appointment

Once we've completed the assessment, we'll meet again to discuss the results.

We'll explain:

• Whether you meet diagnostic criteria.

• How we reached our conclusions.

• The strengths we observed.

• Any additional diagnoses or factors we considered.

• Recommendations moving forward.

• Opportunities for questions and discussion.

This isn't simply receiving a diagnosis.

It's an opportunity to better understand yourself.

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. Everyone receives a short written report that clarifies findings.

You'll have the option to receive a comprehensive written report that summarizes the assessment process, the information gathered, our clinical impressions, diagnostic conclusions, and individualized recommendations. —this is NOT covered by insurance and costs $200 out of pocket.

Many clients use this report for:

• Personal understanding.

• Therapy.

• Workplace accommodations.

• Educational accommodations.

• Medical providers.

• Future treatment planning.

What if I'm nervous?

That's completely normal.

Many adults arrive feeling anxious.

Some worry they'll be judged.

Some worry they won't remember important details.

Some worry they'll discover they're "making everything up."

Please know...

You don't need to prepare the "right" answers.

You don't need to convince us of anything.

You don't need to perform.

Your only job is to tell your story as honestly as you can.

Our job is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help make sense of the patterns together.

Whether the answer is yes or no...

Many people assume the value of an assessment depends on receiving an autism diagnosis.

We see it differently.

The value comes from gaining clarity.

Sometimes that clarity confirms autism.

Sometimes it points toward ADHD.

Sometimes trauma.

Sometimes another explanation entirely.

Whatever the outcome, our hope is that you leave with a deeper understanding of yourself than when you arrived.

Because understanding yourself is never wasted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many appointments are involved?

Most adult assessments take place over three to four appointments so there's enough time to gather information, complete assessment measures, interpret the results, and review everything together.

Can appointments be done by telehealth?

YES! Most of our assessments are done via telehealth as people seem to be more comfortable in their own homes.

Should I bring a family member?

Sometimes information from someone who knew you as a child can be helpful, but it isn't always necessary. We'll discuss this with you before your assessment.

What if I've already been diagnosed with ADHD?

That's very common. Many adults have both ADHD and autism, while others discover that ADHD explains many of their experiences. Your assessment will consider both possibilities.