Top 5 Reasons for Autism Testing
- therapistkristina
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Autism Evaluations satisfy a variety of needs for people who seek them. In my practice, there are 5 top reasons that bring people to me for autism testing.
These 5 reasons are also the most effective use of autism testing. Details on the structure, cost, written report and autism screening tool that I use on autism evaluations page.
Co-morbidity (multiple diagnosis) hides autism.
Most Prevalent: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, ADHD, ADD, Attachment Wounds, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD).
The known and/or felt presence of one or several of these diagnosis can confuse autistics without an evaluation. Autism testing can parse out what may be autism and what are the other experiences from co-occurring issues. An evaluation can dramatically increase insight and thus increase effective coping and self-awareness when someone can distinguish their processing differences.
Misdiagnosis.
Autism is often misdiagnosed. Many people suspect that something is off when a diagnosis does not fit.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often given to female presenting autistics as a misdiagnosis for autism, for example. The co-morbidities above-OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, ADD, PTSD & C-PTSD, Attachment Wounds can indeed be co-occurring with autism. And, they are often used as misdiagnosis for autistics. Assessments can clarify any misdiagnosis and get to the root.
Co-Occurring Diagnosis AND Misdiagnosis with Autistics: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, ADHD, Attachment Wounds, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Burnout.
Adults who come to me are often working very hard everyday just to keep their heads above water. They have been extending themselves beyond their neurological limits with life demands at home, at work, at school, and in the general public. They are accustomed to masking, not asserting their needs and not fully aware of what accommodations would be helpful. And, they know they need help and change.
Burn out of loved ones is also a motivating factor. Loves ones who do not understand what neurological processing differences are occurring nor how to best support their loved one, is a common motivation for autism testing with adolescents and children.
Accommodations.
Evaluation reports include recommended accommodations
for all areas of the person’s life, including home, work, school,
public spaces, with human interactions. These reports
are strongly correlated with increased functioning and decrease in burn out due to the insight the accommodations provide. Coping strategies are also included. Institutional supports with ADA may be provided at work and at school. Some clients are seeking a formal diagnosis for SSI benefits.
Self-Doubt, Need for Validation, Healing.
This motivation is mostly aligned with late-diagnosed folx driven to heal a lifetime of masking. The evaluations can provide concrete evidence of being autistic and remove any doubt that has accumulated with masking and years of not knowing. The evaluation can get under an autistic’s mask and help them see what is there-themselves more authentically.
SHARE WITH ANYONE QUESTIONING WHETHER OR NOT TO HAVE AN AUTISM TEST,
AND WITH ANY CLINICIAN WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM THIS INFO!
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CONTACT ME for Autism Evaluations, Therapy & Consulting.
Kristina-bravo@outlook.com 737-825-5005
SEE NEXT: WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT AUTISM ASSESSOR?
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