Adult Autism Testing

Adult autism testing at We Care Support Services is a respectful, neurodiversity-affirming evaluation for adults 18 and older in Orlando, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. It includes a detailed life-history interview, standardized tools such as the ADOS-2, optional input from someone who knows you well, and a feedback session with a written report you can use for self-understanding or workplace accommodations.

Many adults live their entire lives feeling “different” without understanding why. Our team is trained to recognize how autism presents in adults, including people with strong coping skills and those who have spent years masking. Call (877) 302-5628 to book.

Our team is trained to recognize the unique ways Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents in adults, including those who have high coping skills or have spent years “masking” their traits to fit in.

Why Seek an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult?

For many adults, the path to diagnosis begins with a sense of curiosity or a struggle with burnout, social anxiety, or sensory overwhelm. You might wonder if a formal evaluation is “worth it.”

An official adult autism assessment can provide:

Self-Discovery & Validation: Finally having an explanation for why you experience the world differently.
Workplace Accommodations: A diagnosis is often legally required to request reasonable adjustments at work, such as noise-canceling headphones, flexible schedules, or written instructions.
Understanding “Masking”: Learning how much energy you spend hiding your autistic traits and how to reclaim that energy.
Improved Relationships: Gaining tools to communicate your social and sensory needs to partners and family members.

What is “Masking” in Adults?

One reason many adults go undiagnosed until later in life is camouflaging or “masking.” This involves consciously or unconsciously suppressing autistic behaviors to appear neurotypical.

Common signs of masking we look for during testing include:

Forcing eye contact during conversations despite discomfort.
Scripting conversations before they happen.
Mimicking the gestures or expressions of others to fit in.
Suppressing repetitive movements (stimming) in public.

Our clinicians are experienced in identifying these internal experiences, ensuring you are not overlooked just because you “seem fine” on the surface.

Our Adult Autism Testing Process

We have designed our adult autism evaluations to be respectful, collaborative, and non-judgmental. We use evidence-based tools tailored for adults, ensuring accurate results.

1. Initial Consultation We discuss your reasons for seeking a diagnosis, your current life situation, and your developmental history. This is a safe space to share your story.

2. Clinical Interview & History We explore your social history, education, and employment experiences. We look for patterns in social communication, sensory sensitivities, and special interests that have existed since childhood.

3. Standardized Assessment We utilize “Gold Standard” diagnostic instruments adapted for adults. This may include the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or other clinical interviews that assess social interaction and communication styles.

4. Collateral Information If comfortable, we may ask for input from a partner, parent, or close friend who knows you well. This helps us understand how your traits manifest in different environments.

5. Comprehensive Feedback You will receive a detailed report explaining your neurotype. We discuss the findings and provide a roadmap for next steps, including therapy recommendations, support groups, and resources for neurodivergent adults.

Who Should Consider Testing?

You may benefit from an evaluation if you relate to the following:

You have always felt socially out of sync with peers.
You experience intense exhaustion after social interactions (social hangover).
You have deep, specific interests that consume your attention.
You are sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or foods.
You prefer routine and struggle significantly with unexpected changes.
You have been previously diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression, or Bipolar Disorder but feel those labels don’t explain the full picture.

Supportive Care for Neurodivergent Adults

At We Care Support, we don’t just label you; we empower you. We view autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, meaning we see it as a difference in brain wiring rather than a defect to be fixed.

Locations: We serve clients in Orlando, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach.
Aftercare: We offer career counseling, social skills coaching, and therapy specifically designed for neurodivergent adults to help you thrive in your personal and professional life.

Schedule Your Evaluation Today

It is never too late to understand yourself better. If you suspect you may be on the spectrum, contact We Care Support today.

Take the first step toward clarity. Book your adult autism assessment in Orlando or Palm Beach County now.

Why so many adults are diagnosed later in life

Autism criteria have broadened over the past two decades, and many adults grew up before clinicians routinely recognized autism in children who spoke well or did well at school. Women, people of color and people with high verbal ability are especially likely to have been missed or misdiagnosed. It is common for adults to seek testing after a child or relative is diagnosed, or after years of treatment for anxiety or depression that never fully explained their experience.

How long does an adult autism evaluation take?

Adult evaluations usually involve an intake interview, one or two assessment appointments and a feedback session. Face-to-face time is typically several hours, and a comprehensive assessment, including scoring and the report, usually totals 12 to 18 billable hours. We will give you a timeline at intake.

What your report includes

A clear answer on whether you meet DSM-5-TR criteria for autism spectrum disorder.
A description of your social communication style, sensory profile, strengths and areas of difficulty.
Screening for co-occurring conditions common in autistic adults, such as ADHD, anxiety and depression.
Practical recommendations for work, study, relationships and daily life, including reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Cost and insurance

We are in network with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR, Oscar Health, MultiPlan, Medicare and VA Community Care. You are responsible for your deductible and copays. Out of network, the rate is $160 per hour. We check your benefits before your first appointment so there are no surprises. See rates and insurance.

Where we offer adult autism testing

All three of our offices see adults, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm: Orlando (1601 Park Center Drive, Suite 14), West Palm Beach (2054 Vista Parkway) and Palm Beach Gardens (3801 PGA Boulevard).

Adult autism testing FAQs

Is it worth getting diagnosed as an adult?

Many adults say a diagnosis brings relief and self-understanding. It can also be needed to request workplace or college accommodations and can guide therapy toward approaches that fit how you think.

Can you test for autism and ADHD at the same time?

Yes. Autism and ADHD often occur together, and we can assess both in one evaluation. See ADHD testing.

Do I need a parent to attend?

No. Input from a parent, partner or close friend about your childhood and daily life is helpful but optional. We can still complete the evaluation without it.

Will a diagnosis appear on my employment record?

No. Your evaluation is private health information. You decide whether to share it with an employer, school or anyone else.

What if I have been diagnosed with something else before?

Bring any past reports. Autistic adults are often first diagnosed with anxiety, depression, OCD or a personality disorder. We look at the whole picture to see what fits best.

Articles on this topic

Sources

National Institute of Mental Health. Autism spectrum disorder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Reasonable accommodation under the ADA.
American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR.