Autism Testing
Neuroaffirmative Autism Testing Provides A Path To True Understanding And Support
Have you ever felt misunderstood, struggling to connect with others in ways that feel natural?
Do you struggle with strict routines, behaviors, or fixations that consume more of your time and energy than you’d prefer?
Are there teachers, mentors, colleagues, or loved ones in your life suggesting an evaluation could help, but you’re unsure where to begin?
You may feel like no one truly understands the challenges that you face each day. Perhaps you feel isolated and alone, wondering why certain aspects of life—like maintaining routines, processing sensory input, or finding meaningful connections—seem more difficult for you than for others.
On the other hand, maybe you have a child or a loved one whom you suspect is on the autism spectrum. You might be wondering if an autism assessment can provide you with clarity and support.
The answer is a resounding yes! Our neuroaffirmative Autism testing offers children and adults the opportunity for growth by identifying certain traits and recognizing needs that might otherwise go unaddressed. Whether you’re seeking academic support, accommodations in the workplace, or a deeper understanding of who you are and how to thrive, a professional evaluation can unlock access to vital tools that will help you figure out who you’re meant to be.
The Wide Range Of Challenges That Autism Testing Can Address
If you’re struggling to maintain your daily routine because of challenges that are tied to your neurodivergent thinking, know that you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1], with so many more people likely living undiagnosed.
Not having the proper diagnosis can lead to unrecognized or misunderstood struggles, including:
Social Difficulties: Challenges in forming meaningful connections or feeling misunderstood.
Sensory Overload: Becoming easily overwhelmed by noise, lights, or crowded places.
Emotional Regulation: Experiencing heightened anxiety, anger, or depression without clear ways to cope with and heal from symptoms.
Executive Functioning Issues: Difficulty staying organized, managing time, or completing tasks.
No matter where you’re at in your journey, our team will be here to make this testing process as easy as possible by guiding you forward with compassion, understanding, and transparency.
Have questions? Send us a message!
What To Expect During The ASD Testing Process
Neuroaffirmative Autism evaluations tests with Integral Psychological Services provide children and adults alike with comprehensive assessments that offer true empowerment for growth and encouragement—no matter who you are. Here’s an overview of our process:
Initial Intake: Your journey begins with an intake appointment, conducted either in-person or virtually. This will be an hour-long deep dive where we will learn about your medical history, family dynamics, and current concerns. We may also request input from family members, spouses, or others who know you well enough help us get a complete picture of who you are.
Day of Testing: The assessment process is tailored to fit your unique needs as a neurodivergent individual and may include cognitive testing, executive functioning evaluations, interviews, and questionnaires. These sessions generally range from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the testing battery and your individual pace.
Interpretation and Report Writing: Once your testing session is complete, your psychologist will analyze your data, interpret the findings, and write a report about your results. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to ensure a thorough and accurate description of your evaluation.
Feedback: This appointment is 30 to 60 minutes long and involves reviewing the results of the final report with your psychologist. Here, you are provided a clear explanation of your diagnosis and an outline of steps to help you access the resources and support needed to move forward with confidence.
At Integral Psychological Services, we strive to make the evaluation process as straightforward as possible while providing encouragement every step of the way. Our team of trained and established psychologists are suited to help you find understanding with transparency and care.
We provide autism spectrum evaluations in-person at our Grand Rapids and Traverse City locations—and for added flexibility, we also offer assessments virtually to clients across Michigan, delivering you with expert care from the comfort of your own home.
For those who choose to do the ASD testing process virtually, you will need to have a computer with a functioning speaker, microphone, and camera, an additional device with Zoom installed (such as a tablet or smartphone), as well as a solid Wi-Fi connection and a tidy, distraction-free area in which to complete the assessment.
Here’s a step-by-step guide into how our virtual evaluations process works.
Maybe You Have More Questions About Autism Testing…
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If you have been struggling to adapt to challenges brought on by neurodivergence, it’s good to remember that testing for autism is an investment in yourself that can benefit you for years to come. Many insurance plans cover autism diagnostic assessments. So, our team will be transparent with you about what your current insurance covers, verifying a payment plan that will best suit your situation.
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Absolutely! The benefits of an autism assessment and diagnosis can provide you with newfound understanding, accommodations, and resources. We aim to provide you with the clarity that you’ve been longing for—identifying strengths and connecting you with ways to improve different aspects of your life, from relationships to academic/workplace success.
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We use evidence-based tools and processes to ensure accuracy and reliability, giving you results you can trust. What’s more, we always tailor our approach to autism testing to fit who you are as an individual, ensuring that the assessment process gives you the specific skills you need to thrive.
My approach for pediatric occupational therapy services is to keep activities as physical as possible, moving around the room and not keeping the child working in one place. With my older clients, I try to apply their skill practice and various activities to something functional so the cognitive burden is not so overwhelming.
Move Forward With Support, Understanding And Hope
An autism diagnosis isn’t about labeling your challenges or telling you who you are. It’s about gaining a deeper understanding of the way your unique mind works so you can lead a more fulfilling life.
Please reach out via our contact page if you’re interested in neuroaffirmative autism testing and we will help lead you toward the correct diagnosis. We look forward to hearing from you!
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