Neurodiversity is having a moment. And rightly so, we should celebrate all types of brains and all types of personalities. While the causes of autism are still not fully understood, the disorder has a long history and the field of psychology has honed its diagnostic ability to discern more nuanced or “high-functioning” presentations.
Over the last few years at Kingsbury, we have seen a rise in inquiries about testing for autism. Many parents call us wondering if their child’s behavior and social challenges are signs of the disorder – or maybe a teacher, friend, or doctor suggested that they seek an evaluation, and they aren’t sure what it’s all about. In addition, we see an increasing number of adults seeking testing for themselves, perhaps because their child recently received an autism diagnosis, or they have begun to learn about autism online and identify with its symptoms. Women and transgender individuals are also increasingly seeing themselves as having different ways of processing sensory and emotional experiences that challenge outdated perceptions of how autism presents.
One question that comes up in my work with families is whether pursuing a diagnosis of autism is necessary. Websites claiming to offer tools for self-diagnosis are easy to find for those that believe a label would be affirming. There are also many parents who fear that a formal diagnosis would be stigmatizing for their child, or they worry that a diagnosis means their child will not be able to have a fulfilling life. For some milder presentations of autism, when an individual is functioning well in most or all settings, an expensive evaluation leading to a diagnosis might not be needed. However, for children or adults who are struggling, either in academic/job performance or in social settings, a diagnosis can be crucial. Having formal documentation of autism can unlock important accommodations that can boost a person’s ability to learn and grow. And for some, having clarity about their struggles and knowing that they are not alone can be invaluable.
So, to refocus, if you or your child are wondering if you need a formal evaluation of autism, the answer might be no if there are no urgent concerns at work, home, or school. Sometimes trying psychotherapy can be the right amount of support instead of embarking on a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. However, if challenges are piling up for kids at school, or if teens or adults feel lost and misunderstood to the point of struggling to function, then that evaluation may be the important first step on the path to support and balance.
At Kingsbury, we believe that best practice for autism evaluations requires a full comprehensive approach. We do not evaluate autism in isolation – there is no one autism test that can provide a simple report. Instead, we include autism assessments in our comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. It is important to understand a person’s full profile in order to differentiate possible autism from other diagnoses that share similar characteristics – anxiety and ADHD, to name a couple. We also know that high-functioning individuals with autism can successfully mask their symptoms, and detailed interviewing, record reviewing, and observation are essential.
If you or someone you know would like to talk more about autism evaluations, please reach out. I’m happy to offer free 15-minute consultations to help you sort through the options.