Adult Autism Testing
Have you spent years feeling different without knowing why? Perhaps you've always felt socially out of step, struggled to understand unspoken expectations, become overwhelmed by sensory experiences, or found yourself exhausted from trying to fit in. Maybe you've wondered whether autism could explain experiences you've carried throughout your life. For many adults and adolescents, receiving an autism evaluation is less about receiving a label and more about finally understanding themselves. At Living Hope Counseling, we provide comprehensive autism evaluations in Keller, Texas, helping individuals gain clarity, self-understanding, and practical recommendations for moving forward.
Who Should Consider an Autism Evaluation?
You may benefit from autism testing if you:
Have always felt "different" but never understood why.
Experience sensory sensitivities to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
Find social situations confusing or exhausting.
Have difficulty reading social cues or understanding unwritten social rules.
Prefer routines and predictability.
Feel emotionally drained after social interactions.
Have intense interests or hobbies.
Have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or OCD but still feel like something doesn't fully explain your experiences.
Have a child or family member recently diagnosed with autism and recognize similar traits in yourself.
Have wondered if years of masking have hidden your authentic self.
Many people seeking evaluations have spent decades believing they were simply "too sensitive," "awkward," "lazy," or "not trying hard enough." Understanding your neurotype can replace self-criticism with self-compassion.
Why Adults Are Being Diagnosed Later in Life
Many autistic adults were never identified during childhood. Some learned to mask their differences exceptionally well. Others were overlooked because they performed well academically, had average or above-average intelligence, or did not fit outdated stereotypes of autism.
Women and girls, in particular, have historically been underdiagnosed because they often develop sophisticated masking strategies that hide autistic traits from teachers, family members, and even mental health professionals. Many have been told they were Bipolar or Borderline, further confusing or invalidating their experiences.
Receiving an evaluation later in life can provide answers that make decades of experiences suddenly make sense.
Our Autism Evaluation Process
Our assessment process is comprehensive and individualized. Rather than relying on a single questionnaire, we gather information from multiple sources to better understand your unique experiences.
Your evaluation may include:
A detailed clinical interview
Developmental and personal history
Standardized autism assessment measures
Review of current symptoms and strengths
Screening for related conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression when appropriate
Clinical observations
A comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations
Our goal is not simply to determine whether you meet diagnostic criteria, but to help you better understand how your brain works and identify supports that can improve daily life.
What You'll Receive
Following your evaluation, you'll receive:
A detailed written report
Diagnostic findings (when criteria are met)
An explanation of your results in understandable language
Personalized recommendations
Resources for education, accommodations, and support
Guidance for next steps if desired
Many clients describe the evaluation as life-changing because it helps explain experiences they've struggled to understand for years.
Autism and ADHD
Autism and ADHD frequently occur together, and many adults discover one diagnosis after first exploring the other.
Because these conditions can share overlapping characteristics while also presenting important differences, we carefully consider both during the evaluation process when appropriate.
Understanding the full picture helps ensure recommendations are tailored specifically to your needs.
Why Choose Living Hope Counseling?
Robin has over 25 years of experience working with autistic adults and adolescents, including individuals who were not identified until later in life.
Autism presents differently from person to person and that many individuals have developed successful masking strategies that can make diagnosis more complex. Our approach is respectful, neurodiversity-informed, and focused on understanding your unique strengths as well as the challenges you experience.
Our goal is to provide clarity—not judgment—so you leave with a deeper understanding of yourself and practical recommendations for moving forward.
