Adult Autism Evaluation In Los Angeles

You want clarity

You want to understand why life sometimes feels so challenging, even when you put in your best effort. You are ready to know the truth about yourself and finally find tools and support that genuinely work for you.

You are in your head

Social interactions can drain you, even when you are trying your hardest to connect. You often replay conversations in your head, worrying if you have said or done the “right” thing. You may have thoughts about being “different. ”

You are tired

Sometimes, you feel overwhelmed by things that seem easy for others. You have become skilled at masking your struggles, but it is starting to take a toll. The strategies you have used to manage stress and fit in are not working as well anymore, or they are wearing you out completely. You find yourself withdrawing or relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms, knowing deep down these are not sustainable.

You Are In The Right Place

At Thrive and Feel Psychology, we offer warm, neurodiversity-affirming adult autism assessments (in-person in Pasadena and virtually across California) to help you find answers. First and foremost, we understand that autism is a unique neurotype – a natural variation in how the brain works. We hold this reality in mind throughout the assessment process. We provide compassionate, comprehensive evaluations that empower you with clarity, validation, and a roadmap for living life fully.

Why Autism Evaluations Can Benefit Adults

“Why should I get an autism diagnosis now? I’m not a kid anymore, and I was never diagnosed before.”

While most autistic folx receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) in childhood, many neurodivergent individuals (especially those socialized as girls) grow up without awareness that some of their differences may actually be attributed to their neurodivergence.

Thankfully, as awareness of neurodivergence grows, more adults who have felt misunderstood in the past are seeking answers in the present.

Based on our experience as neurodiversity-affirming clinicians, we have found that folx may consider adult autism assessment for the following reasons:

An Answer to Lifelong Questions: Folx who receive an autism diagnosis after testing often report that they now have an explanation for many of the questions they have had about themselves for as long as they can remember. Some clients express that understanding autism has helped them to “connect the dots” or feel that the diagnosis “makes a lot of things make sense.” Many late-diagnosed adults describe a sense of relief and self-acceptance once they understand themselves through a neurodiverse-affirming lens.

Missed Signs and Masking: One of the reasons that autism is underdiagnosed is that neurodivergent folx learn to “mask” autistic traits. For example, you may actively compensate for difficulties in social situations by copying body language and facial expressions, or you may find that you learn cues from movies and books to help you better navigate your social environments.

Suppose you have a history of camouflaging autistic traits. In that case, it can be harder for others, and sometimes even yourself, to recognize that you are experiencing the world through a neurodivergent lens. On a surface level, masking may seem harmless; however, this behavior has a significant cost (especially when you have been doing it for an extended period).

Many autistic adults who are highly skilled at masking report that the results of the assessment process helped them realize there is nothing  “wrong” with them. Instead, they come to the understanding that they are autistic and that their intelligence has allowed them to become very good at hiding their neurodivergent traits.  

Changing Life Demands: We encounter new experiences (and corresponding stressors) as we age. For example, college, work, independent living, marriage, parenting, and other new life changes come with their own set of demands. In some instances, these new situations and experiences may overwhelm us; the strategies that helped us navigate these situations in the past are no longer viable. Life transitions can make previously manageable struggles feel unmanageable. 

When folx struggle with a transition, they may become curious about “why” the experience is so challenging and “how” to navigate the changes better. The assessment will help you better understand yourself (the “why”) and will provide you with personal resources to support you in navigating any challenges (the “how”).

Understanding Yourself Better

We all have questions about our identity - this is a common experience. Many autistic people, however, may experience distress around their identity because parts of themselves have been chronically invalidated. 

Many autistic adults who received a diagnosis through testing describe feeling immense relief when they finally have an explanation for lifelong experiences. Instead of blaming themselves for past difficulties, they are better able to reframe their experience as part of their autistic identity. 

The assessment provides you with knowledge, and that information can foster self-compassion. If you are autistic, it is essential to remind yourself that you are not lazy or oversensitive; your brain processes the world differently. While challenges are associated with being neurodivergent and living in a neurotypical world, there is much more to the neurodivergent experience. For example, ASD is correlated with significant strengths, such as deep focus, creativity, loyalty, and unique problem-solving skills.

Mental Health and Misdiagnoses

Many autistic individuals are misdiagnosed with mental health disorders such as social anxiety, personality disorders, or depression. Suppose you are struggling with mental health challenges, but you have received a diagnosis that does not quite fit.  

This is where an assessment comes in. Your team of psychologists in Pasadena can help clarify what is leading you to feel how you feel. The team will investigate what might stem from neurodivergence and what might be related to other concerns. 

Differentiating between diagnoses is critical because you want to ensure that you get support aligned with your actual needs. 

Community

Many of the clients we have worked with have described that receiving an autism diagnosis led to an immediate sense of belonging. There are thriving communities for late-diagnosed autistic adults. Knowing your neurotype may help you find peers who understand you. You may feel less of a need to mask. You may finally feel seen.

Learning more about yourself through an evaluation will likely reveal that you are not alone in your experience, no matter the outcome. 

Access to Support and Accommodations

A formal diagnosis can open doors to accommodations. You may qualify for workplace support, quieter spaces, flexible schedules, and noise-reducing tools. If in school, you may receive academic accommodations. Some adults pursue a diagnosis specifically to obtain documentation that helps them ask for necessary changes. Even if you have been managing, you do not need to white-knuckle your way through life. 

In short, seeking diagnostic testing is about empowerment. Our evaluations support you in better understanding yourself so that you can follow a path forward that best meets your needs.

What does a diagnosis of autism look like?

To receive a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you must possess differences in the following categories: language and communication, socialization, and sensory use and interests. Additionally, because ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, you must have experienced these differences starting in childhood to meet diagnostic criteria.

We will break down each category to help explain it better.

Differences in language and communication might present in a variety of ways. Differences may include challenges using sentences in a complex fashion, relying on echoed speech, or difficulty adding verbal information to topics proposed by another individual. Autistic individuals may also experience challenges in sustaining reciprocal conversation or maintaining social interaction. For example, a neurodivergent person may struggle to have a smooth and flowing conversation. This challenge could stem from an innate tendency to contribute to the discussion in a restricted way (via content, range, or tone). Autistic folx may have difficulty making social overtures that build on another person’s contribution to the conversation. In other words, it may be difficult for an autistic person to engage in a sustained, reciprocal, back-and-forth conversation. Differences in language and communication may also look like struggling to recognize a socially conventional time to change the subject, missing the social cues, or struggling to read the body language of others.

Autistic individuals may have differences in socialization. For example, autistic children may prefer to engage with adults rather than their same-aged peers. As adults, autistic folx may report struggling to pick up on or interpret social skills. Similarly, they may struggle to maintain motivation to engage in social-interpersonal behavior. 
Individuals diagnosed with autism also have some differences in sensory use or may possess special interests associated with autism. For example, an autistic person may have sensory sensitivities, such as feeling overwhelmed by specific sounds, colors, textures, or tastes. Additionally, autistic folx may have a history of developing areas of passionate interest. When talking about an interest, an autistic person may feel so excited about the topic that they will interject in conversation about what was on their mind. Additionally, when speaking about a special interest, an autistic individual may engage in a very animated and detailed conversation. When discussing their special interests, they may become so absorbed in the topic that they have difficulty shifting attention.

A Neurodiverse-Affirming Assessment Process (Virtual & In-Person)

At Thrive and Feel Psychology, we understand that being “assessed” and “evaluated” can be quite uncomfortable.  When we designed our evaluation process, we focused on creating an experience that is humanizing, affirming, and therapeutic. We utilize evidence-based assessments and pair them with a warm, human touch. We know that anxiety about evaluations can deter folx from getting the support they would benefit from, and we designed this process in hopes of reducing barriers to assessment in any way possible.

Here is a bit about how we have structured the process:

Comfort and Understanding

We strive to create a safe, affirming space from our first contact. Whether we meet virtually or in person at our Pasadena office, you will enter a space of compassion- we believe that treating others how we want to be treated is essential. When we start the evaluation, we begin by asking you what you need. We check in to see if there are any adjustments that we can make to the testing setting or format to decrease overstimulation and increase comfort levels. We take time to get to know you, explain each step of the evaluation process, and answer any questions you have. We consistently check in with you along the way.  As psychologists who conduct adult autism evaluations in Los Angeles, we believe in the process of therapeutic assessments - in other words, we aim for the process to be not only insightful but also healing.

Individualized to You

No two people are alike, and we do not believe in one-size-fits-all assessments. During your intake interview, we will discuss your specific concerns, life experiences, and what you hope to gain from the evaluation. For example, some clients are seeking clarity for accommodations, while others are seeking personal insight.  We tailor the evaluation to your goals and will explore additional areas of executive and personality functioning if relevant. We utilize expertise paired with your unique goals to customize the process.

Comprehensive Testing

Diagnosing autism in adults requires a comprehensive, multi-source approach. We can not appropriately diagnose a complex neurodevelopmental disorder like ASD with a single questionnaire (even though TikTok may tell you that there is). As clinical psychologists, we are ethically obligated to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that we are providing an accurate diagnosis. To do this, we use a combination of clinical interviews, questionnaires, and “performance-based” assessments to gain a complete picture of your experiences. Our comprehensive evaluation allows for you (and others who may be referencing the assessment) to feel confident about the results.

The Process of Getting An Adult Autism Evaluation

  • If you are curious about autism evaluations, schedule a consultation with one of our clinicians. You will be able to ask questions, and a team member will work with you to determine if a comprehensive psychological assessment is the best next step for you.

  • If you decide you want to participate in the assessment process, you will provide us with an email address and/or phone number, and we will send you a link to our electronic portal. You will then complete “paperwork” electronically (such as consent and payment forms). You will also receive a fill-out questionnaire about your history (i.e., childhood experiences, education and work history, previous health issues, etc). Additionally, you will coordinate with your assessor to determine a test date and time that works best for you. 

    As neurodiversity-affirmative providers, we will adjust this process to your needs. For example, you may want to send a voice recording of the answers to the questionnaire rather than typing them out. When scheduling your one-on-one assessment, we will work to be as flexible as possible with meeting dates and times. 

  • You will participate in a comprehensive interview (60 to 90 minutes) where we can learn more about you. Questions will be related to your childhood development, education, work history, and current concerns. To provide the most accurate and comprehensive picture possible, we may request permission to conduct a separate developmental interview with someone who knew you in childhood (such as a parent or sibling).

  • You will complete a series of standardized questionnaires (or “self-report assessments”) from home. You will receive links to the various assessments, and you can complete them at your own pace. We will be available to answer any questions that you have.

  • You will meet with your assessor for 4 to 8 hours to participate in a series of assessments. If you are participating in a virtual assessment, you will meet over a HIPAA-compliant video platform. If you are participating in an in-person assessment, you will meet in person in the Pasadena office.

    During the one-on-one assessment, you will be asked questions and asked to complete tasks from evidence-based assessments. This portion of the evaluation process is critical because it allows assessors to gain information about executive and emotional functioning while observing real-time social behaviors and communication.  We approach this with a friendly, low-pressure tone— some clients actually describe this part as fun! 

  • To provide you with the most accurate results possible, we may ask for permission to review any existing medical records or previous assessments. We may also request your consent to speak with individuals in your life who can provide more information about you.

    Our goal is to gather as much relevant information that is needed to ensure that we provide accurate results.  As an adult, you have the agency to decide who (if anyone) is involved in this evaluation.

  • After all of the data has been collected and organized, your assessment team gets to business! 

    We review all of the information gathered to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your emotional and social functioning. We will also determine whether your profile meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

    Whether you receive an autism diagnosis or not, you will leave with a clear understanding of your neurotype and will have a concise list of recommendations for the next steps to take. We will compile all of our findings into a report, which you will receive this report electronically after the feedback session. 

  • We meet for a 60–90 minute feedback session to walk you through your results. You can ask questions and express reactions. Toward the end of the feedback session, we will provide you with individualized recommendations. These may include therapy, accommodations, resources, or tools for self-advocacy. 

    As neurodiversity-affirmative therapists, we believe the feedback session is essential to therapeutic assessment. We recognize that being “assessed” is a vulnerable place to be in, and we facilitate the conversation in a way that allows you to process. We provide containment so that you can feel your feelings (whether this be anxiety, anger, grief, or relief). 

    Many clients describe the feedback session as one of the most validating aspects of the process. 

  • The final step! We will send you the written report summarizing everything we learned through the evaluation process. It includes diagnostic conclusions (if applicable), test results, and personalized recommendations. 

    This document is yours to keep and can be used for accommodations or shared with other providers or your support system if you choose.

FAQs About Adult Autism Evaluation

  • The primary benefit of undergoing psychological testing and receiving a diagnosis (if you meet the criteria) is that you will gain insight and recommendations on how to live life fully as an autistic person. 

    From a practical perspective, an autism diagnosis can open doors to appropriate accommodations and support. For instance, with a documented diagnosis, you can request workplace or academic adjustments to better suit your needs or join autism-specific support groups and services that require a diagnosis. It also helps any healthcare providers or therapists you see to tailor their care appropriately. From an emotional perspective, an official diagnosis can be validating. The “label” may provide language for what you already know to be true about yourself. It can help you shift away from a place of self-blame. Many of the clients we have worked with who are diagnosed later in life express that receiving the “label” has helped them embrace their identity. The diagnostic process will help you better understand how your autism plays out in your day-to-day life.

    From a social perspective, the “label” may propel you to connect with the autistic community. You may feel more of a greater sense of belonging. As you explore neurodivergent spaces, you may discover that your social circle and support network are growing.

    It is important to note, however, that you do not need a diagnosis to be autistic. If you are already self-identified, have an understanding of how your autism presents, and have found an empowering community, you may not feel that an official diagnosis adds many benefits. If you have questions about whether an adult autism evaluation is the next best step for you, schedule a consult with one of our psychologists in Pasadena so they can answer any questions that you have.

  • Have you gone through life feeling a little “out of place” in social situations? Have you felt like maintaining relationships takes a ton of energy? Do you wonder why you need more rest or downtime than others? Have you found that you are easily overstimulated? 

    While these experiences can best be explained by autism, there may be a more fitting explanation for what you are going through. If your assessment results indicate that you are not autistic, we can assure you that you have not wasted your time. Why? Because you will have an answer to the questions you came to the assessment with. Regardless of the outcome, this evaluation will shed light on your experience.

    An assessment aims to understand you better, whatever the outcome. Sometimes, after a thorough evaluation, we conclude that there is an explanation or diagnosis that better fits your experience. For example, you may meet the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder and complex trauma. The way your anxiety and trauma manifest could look like autism; however, the source of the challenges you experience may not be related to a neurodevelopmental disorder.

    Discerning between diagnoses is vital because the recommendations typically differ based on diagnoses. For example, the evidence-based treatment for autism is different from that of social anxiety disorder. During the feedback session, you will receive guidance for the next steps for whatever we discover, which could look like therapy for social anxiety, strategies for ADHD, or something else. You will not be left hanging. 

    We might often identify specific traits that present similarly to individuals diagnosed with autism, and we can address how to best respond to those particular qualities in you, even if you do not meet the criteria for the neurodevelopmental disorder of ASD. 

    TLDR: No, we do not believe you are wasting your time and resources on an evaluation, even if you do not meet the criteria for ASD. The goal is self-discovery and direction - this is what you will achieve through our evaluation process.

  • Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition – the difference related to ASD present in early childhood and (while the presentation of the disorder may change) stays with you as you age. That being said, it is possible to diagnose ASD in adults - it just requires us to gather data about that individual’s experience in childhood. even in one’s 30s, 50s, or later​.

    Neurodiversity-affirming providers - those who truly understand the complexity of this condition - are finding that many autistic individuals, especially those who are high-masking or do not fit narrow stereotypes, were simply missed as kids. Awareness in past decades was limited, so, unfortunately, many neurodivergent children were overlooked and did not receive the accommodations they would have benefited from.

    The assessors at Thrive and Feel receive extensive training to discern lifelong patterns through careful interviewing and testing. The key is to see a professional who specializes in adult ASD (like our practice) because we understand how autism might present differently in an adult versus a child.

Curious about an Adult Autism Evaluation?

In the past, clients told us that testing was life-changing because it was the start of a new chapter of their lives - the moment when they stepped into their authenticity and began to build a lasting community.

Our approach at Thrive and Feel Psychology is grounded in the belief that you are resilient, capable, and deserving of understanding.

If you are in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or anywhere in California and think an adult autism assessment might be right for you, we invite you to reach out. You don’t have to wonder endlessly or navigate this alone. We can use our expertise to help you find the answers you have been looking for.

Contact us today to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation​

During your free consultation, we can talk about your questions, ensure this evaluation is a good fit for your needs, and set up the initial appointment. You can also reach us via our online contact form – whichever is easiest for you.