AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) in teens and adults
Evaluations for Autism Include the following options:
Developmental/Psychological Evaluation for Autism
Children Ages 5 and under $1600, Children Ages 6 and over, and adults* $2850 *Available as an in person or a telehealth appointment for adults only
Screening for Autism - (available for ADULTS ONLY) Available as an in person or a telehealth appointment, $600
What are some of the signs of Autism/Neurodivergence?
Challenges developing complex social communication and interaction skills.
Nonverbal communication difficulties, such as regulating eye contact (too little, too much), facial expressions, and difficulty reading others' nonverbal cues.
Autistic individuals do not necessarily experience early language development difficulties. In some cases, verbal skills are superior and vocabulary is advanced.
Average to Superior intelligence is common.
Failure to establish OR maintain friendships with peers, or very few/limited friendships and romantic relationships throughout the lifetime.
Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people.
Difficulty identifying and expressing feelings.
Sensitivities to various stimuli, from sounds, to clothing, to light, food, etc.
Restricted interests in specific objects or subjects.
Preference for routines.
Engaging in masking behaviors in order to assimilate and fit in with others, which may cause anxiety and lead to social withdrawal over time.
“High Functioning” is a frequently utilized label but does not imply that the autistic individual is not struggling significantly in some or many areas of life. Instead, a lower levels of support needed may be more appropriate.
It is not uncommon for adults with autism to be misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and personality disorders such as Borderline, Narcissistic, or Obsessive Compulsive personality disorders, as well as other diagnoses.
It is important to note that characteristics for autistic people vary widely and professional opinion is necessary for diagnosis. Dr. Korey specializes in Neurodiversity Affirming assessment of children and adults. If you are an adult and suspect Autism, you can take this screener test here. Please note, this is not meant to serve as a diagnostic tool, but may indicate if there is enough concern to warrant a professional opinion.
These videos describes symptoms of Autism in men/assigned male at birth (AMAB).
Autism in Women/assigned female at birth (AFAB)
Historically, autism has been thought of as a condition that mainly affects males, but recent research has revealed that many women and girls are also impacted by autism. However, due to gender biases in assessment tools and diagnostic criteria, many neurodivergent autistic women are underdiagnosed. Autism can, though not necessairly always does, present differently in women. A growing body of research suggests that, at least among those without intellectual impairment, women with autism differ from the classic presentation outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Revised Edition (DSM-5-TR). Compared with boys, these girls:
Have less apparent restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research).
Show higher social motivation and greater capacity for friendship (Molecular Autism, and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders).
Tend to internalize their emotions—which could spur anxiety, depression or eating disorders—in contrast to males’ externalizing behavior that shows up as hyperactivity or noncompliant behavior (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and European Eating Disorders Review).
This is a great article outlining some of the myths and challenges for women/AFAB on the Autism Spectrum.
For neurodivergent autistic women, societal expectations around gender roles and behavior can compound the challenges they face in navigating social interactions, relationships, and employment. However, it's important to recognize that neurodivergent women also bring unique strengths and perspectives to the world.
Neurodivergent women may experience challenges such as difficulties with social communication, heightened sensory sensitivities, masking or camouflaging their symptoms, executive functioning challenges, and employment challenges. However, they also have strengths such as attention to detail, deep focus, unique perspectives, a strong sense of justice, and creative talents.
Supporting neurodivergent women requires a neurodiversity-affirming approach that recognizes their unique challenges and strengths. Strategies for supporting neurodivergent women include celebrating neurodiversity, accommodating sensory sensitivities, educating and advocating, and providing opportunities for them to use their strengths and talents.
As an autistic woman, below Kate talks about the gender discrepancy in autism diagnoses. Women and girls often display completely different behaviors than what neurotypical people have been taught to associate with autism, which affects when and how (and if) they are diagnosed.
This TED talk showcases a young woman bringing awareness to how symptom presentation in women and lack of clinical awareness, leads to autism to be misdiagnosed, misunderstood or missed altogether.
What is Masked Autism?
Masked autism, also known as camouflaged or hidden autism, is a term used to describe autistic individuals who have developed coping mechanisms to mask or hide their autistic traits. Masking refers to the conscious or unconscious effort to blend in with neurotypical individuals by mimicking their behaviors and mannerisms, suppressing or hiding autistic traits, and adapting to social situations in order to fit in.
Individuals with masked autism may present as socially adept and successful in certain situations, but may struggle with social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors in other situations. They may also experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion from constantly masking their autistic traits.
Masking can be particularly common among females and individuals who were diagnosed as autistic later in life. Because many of the diagnostic criteria for autism are based on male-based research, females may not meet the traditional criteria for diagnosis, leading to a delay in diagnosis and increased likelihood of masking. Additionally, individuals who are diagnosed later in life may have developed strong coping mechanisms in order to navigate social situations and avoid stigma.
It's important to note that masking can be a helpful coping mechanism in some situations, but it can also be exhausting and detrimental to individuals' mental health.