Have you ever felt that you had a different kind of brain than the type most people have? Like you were always out of step with the rest of the world? Perhaps your communication style is unique, and other people just don’t get you. Maybe your awesome brain takes you on whirlwind tours of all the rabbit holes of the world, and you’re carried along with no steering wheel. Or maybe you have the kind of body that has to stay in motion, and you can’t convince yourself to just be still.
Believe me, you’re not alone. Many people in South Carolina have similar experiences. For a good number of them, getting assessed for autism and/or ADHD was exactly what they needed.
Autism Testing for Adults in South Carolina
If you live in The Palmetto State and you think might be autistic, we can help. At Adult Autism Assessment & Services, we’re neurodiversity-affirming. In other words, we don’t think there’s anything “wrong” with you if your brain is on your own wavelength and you don’t march to the same drummer as the rest of the world. Unique ways of thinking and problem-solving are important to our advancement as a species, so we value neuro-diversity. But if your differences are making it hard for you to fit in with the neuromajority, and you wonder if you might be autistic, we can help. We provide autism testing for adults living anywhere in SC and across the United States. Because we are a 100% telehealth practice, it doesn’t matter where you live, anywhere from Rock Hill to Hilton Head Island. We can help you get the answers you need and deserve.
What to Expect from Autism Testing with Us in South Carolina
There are several steps involved in getting an autism assessment with us:
- EMAIL our Practice Manager, the marvelous Meagan, at [email protected].
- INVITATION. Complete the Client Information form she’ll send you and sign the Consultation Invitation. You’ll be offered a free, online consultation, at a day and time that works for you, with one of our team members who’s licensed to diagnose autism in South Carolina.
- CONSULTATION. At your consultation, you’ll have up to 30 minutes to ask your questions and get answers, and start to get to know the person who will work with you on your autism assessment.
- SCHEDULE. If you choose to go forward with the assessment, Meagan will give you a few more forms to fill out, and then she’ll schedule 3 assessment appointments with you.
Your First Session for Autism Testing
At the first autism assessment session, you’ll complete a short Yes/No screener in an interview with your assessor. If the screener looks like it’s probably not autism, you’ll be given the chance to end the whole process right there, and owe us nothing. Otherwise, you’ll go on to answer another set of questions that day. The session might take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you answer the questions briefly, or provide extra information. Either way is fine with us, you are in control of how much or how little you talk, as long as you answer the yes/no questions. We’ll let you know each step of the way if you’re on track for a diagnosis, and that seeking out autism assessment was the right decision.
The Second Session of Autism Testing
At your second autism assessment session, there are two more Yes/No assessment tools to complete with your assessor. Whether you say nothing but “Yes” and “No,” or whether you go on to describe why you gave that answer in great detail, it’s fine. We can get the information we need either way, but if you’re comfortable talking a lot about each one, we are here to listen. This session might last about an hour. At the end of this session, we’ll let you know again if you’re still on the road toward diagnosis. If not, we’ll talk about it.
Step Three of Autism Testing
At the third and final autism assessment session, there are two more short questionnaires to complete, to give us the final answers that will confirm the diagnosis. This is usually the shortest session, so there will be time at the end for your questions and discussion. At the end of this last session, we will tell you whether or not you are autistic. Since we keep you in the loop all along the way, it should come as no surprise.
What Happens After the Testing
- DIAGNOSTIC LETTER. Within approximately 48 hours we will upload a brief Diagnostic Letter onto the Client Portal for you.
- DIAGNOSTIC REPORT. Several weeks after that, we’ll upload the full written report, detailing why and how we came to the determination of the diagnosis.
- AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS. You will be enrolled in a free email course, Autism: After Diagnosis (AUT:AD) created for you by our CEO, Wendela Whitcomb Marsh. A couple of times a week you’ll get an email. These will take you through what the diagnosis means, and the characteristics or features of autism, along with strategies for navigating the neuro-majority world as a neuro-divergent person.
- STAY IN TOUCH. If you have any questions about your diagnosis, you’re invited to email your assessor.
Benefits of a Late Autism Diagnosis
Understand Your Social Self. Knowing that you’re autistic means that you’re not socially broken, you just have different social needs and comfort levels than most people in the neuro-majority. You can allow yourself to say “No” to the social events that would be uncomfortable for you. When you do choose to attend social activities, be sure to schedule planned recovery afterward.
Understand Your Sensory Needs. You’re not weaker than people who take sensory experiences in stride; your system receives sensory input at a heightened level, so you deserve the right to accommodate your sensory sensitivities.
Understand Your Communication Style. It’s not that you’re a poor communicator, it’s just that your communication style is different from the neuro-majority. The burden should not be 100% on you if there is a social miscommunication, because every misunderstanding has two sides. Knowing that you’re autistic can free you to advocate for understanding and acceptance of your unique communication style.
How to Get Autism Testing in South Carolina
Wherever you live, from Harnwell Lake to the Santee River, we have a professional on our team who’s ready to work with you today. We don’t have a waiting list at Adult Autism Assessment & Services. When you’re ready your autism assessment, we’re ready to get it on the calendar. Start today by emailing [email protected].
Understanding Impulsivity. If you thought acting impulsively was a sign of poor self-control, now you know it’s just the way your brain responds to new ideas. There’s so much to see and do!