Online Autism Evaluation for Adults in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Arizona

Why adults look into autism testing

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the clinical name for a neurological and developmental difference that affects how people interact, communicate, learn and behave. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that it is called a spectrum because autistic people have a range of characteristics, needs, strengths and challenges.

Autism begins early in life, but it is not always recognized then. The CDC notes that some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults. Many adults start asking the question after years of sensing that they experience the world a little differently.

What an autism evaluation looks at

There is no medical test, such as a blood test, for autism. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, health care providers diagnose it by evaluating a person's behavior and development. For adults, that source lists the areas an evaluator asks about:

• Social interaction and communication
• Sensory experiences, such as being more or less sensitive than other people to light, sound, clothing or temperature
• Repetitive behaviors
• Focused or restricted interests

What an evaluation can and cannot tell you

The same source says that diagnosing autism in adults is often more difficult than in children, partly because some features can overlap with an anxiety disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also notes that an evaluation may include a conversation with family members or caregivers about your early development, which can help with accuracy. If no one is available for that, tell us at your consultation.

We cannot tell you ahead of time what an evaluation will find. It may conclude that you are autistic, that something else explains what you have noticed, or that more than one thing is going on. Each of those is useful to know. We also offer ADHD evaluations, described on our psychological evaluations page.

The National Institute of Mental Health says a correct diagnosis of autism as an adult can help people understand past challenges, identify personal strengths and find the right kind of help.

If you need a report for a school, an employer or an agency, requirements differ. Ask whoever requested the evaluation exactly what they need and who must sign it, and share that with us before you book. We cannot promise that any organization will accept a report. Our disability evaluation page covers evaluations requested for benefits or accommodations.

How an online evaluation works

The evaluation is carried out entirely by secure video. There is no office to visit. You need a phone, tablet or computer, an internet connection and a private place where you can talk freely. You must be physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during your appointments.

The National Institute of Mental Health lists a mental health assessment and diagnosis among the services that can be provided virtually.

When the evaluation is complete, the findings are explained to you in plain language, with time for your questions, and you receive a written report.

An evaluation is not emergency care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency or crisis services.

Cost and getting started

An autism evaluation is $1,800. Evaluations are private-pay and are not billed to insurance. A sliding scale is available, so please tell us if the fee is a barrier. You receive the cost in writing before anything is scheduled.

1. 1Start with a free consultationChoose a time for a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page, or call 267-573-9817. We talk through what you need, who is asking for it and any deadline.
2. 2Get the cost in writingBefore anything is scheduled, you receive the cost in writing. You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate. See insurance and fees for how payment works.
3. 3Meet by secure videoYour appointments take place by video while you are in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona.
4. 4Review your findingsThe findings are explained in plain language, you ask your questions, and you receive a written report to keep.

After your evaluation

Whatever the evaluation finds, you leave with a clearer picture of how you work and what tends to help.

If you would like ongoing support afterward, therapists on our team work with adults on worry, stress, focus and relationships. Our anxiety therapy and ADHD therapy pages explain more. Therapy is a separate service from an evaluation, and it is always your choice.

Understanding yourself better is a good reason to reach out, and a short conversation is enough to begin.