Compassionate, evidence-based evaluation for children, adolescents, and adults
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world, interact with others, and process sensory information.
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Understanding autism spectrum disorder
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variability in the type and severity of symptoms that individuals may experience. No two autistic individuals are the same, and characteristics can differ significantly across age, gender, cultural background, and developmental level.
ASD is typically characterized by:
- Differences in social communication and interaction
- The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests
- Sensory sensitivities or unusual responses to sensory input
- Challenges with flexibility, executive functioning, and emotional regulation
Symptoms often emerge in early childhood, although some individuals may not be diagnosed until later in life, particularly in cases where symptoms are more subtle or camouflaged.
Early signs of autism in children
Some children develop typically for the first year or more, but may begin to show signs of regression between 18 to 24 months. Common early indicators include:
- Reduced eye contact or social responsiveness
- Delays in speech or loss of previously acquired language
- Limited use of gestures such as pointing or waving
- Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversation
- Unusual interests in objects, focusing on parts rather than whole
- Repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
- Sensitivities to textures, sounds, lights, or touch
- Lack of pretend or imaginative play
- Insistence on sameness, routines, or rituals
- Narrow or intense interests
- Food aversions based on texture, color, or smell
What makes autism evaluations important?
An accurate autism diagnosis—whether in childhood or adulthood—can provide clarity, access to appropriate interventions, and validation. It helps individuals and families:
- Understand strengths and support needs
- Qualify for school-based or community services
- Advocate for accommodations
- Foster self-understanding and acceptance
- Connect with affirming providers and autistic communities
Recognizing autism in adults
Many adults have lived for years without a diagnosis, often masking symptoms or being misdiagnosed. Autism in adults may present differently than in children and is sometimes misunderstood—particularly among women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Common autistic traits in adults may include:
- Difficulty with small talk or social norms
- Feeling “different” or misunderstood by peers
- Strong preference for honesty, loyalty, and deep connections
- Social fatigue after interactions or group settings
- Reliance on scripting or rehearsing for conversations
- A tendency to mimic others' behaviors to fit in
- Discomfort with eye contact
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to lights, sounds, clothing textures)
- Sensory-seeking behaviors (e.g., rocking, fidgeting, deep pressure)
- A need for specific routines around food or clothing
- Preference for routines and predictability
- Black-and-white thinking or difficulty with ambiguity
- Intense focus on specific interests or hobbies
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in plans
- Executive functioning struggles (e.g., time management, organization)
- High levels of anxiety, especially in social or unstructured settings
- Emotional overwhelm, meltdowns, or shutdowns in response to stress
- Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions
- Strong emotional attachment to routines or personal belongings
Why seek a diagnosis now?
Many of our adult clients report that receiving a diagnosis brought them a profound sense of relief—"now everything makes sense." Pursuing an autism evaluation as an adult can help:
- Provide validation for lifelong struggles
- Improve self-understanding and reduce shame or self-blame
- Identify effective therapy or coaching approaches
- Access accommodations at school or work
- Connect with affirming communities
ADHD Testing Accommodations and Workplace Support
Ubuntu Psychological Services works collaboratively with families, schools, and employers to help implement these supports. A formal diagnosis of ADHD can open the door to supportive accommodations at school and work:
Culturally responsive, neurodiversity-affirming care
At Ubuntu Psychological Services, we recognize that autism exists across all races, ethnicities, genders, and identities. Our clinicians are trained in culturally sensitive practices and understand how autism may present differently based on life experience and intersectionality.
We believe in dignity over deficit—we do not view autism as something to "fix" but rather as a different way of being that may benefit from understanding, support, and tailored accommodations.