Autism (also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition (or “brain style”) that affects the way a person thinks, communicates, and interacts with others. Most experts believe that Autism results from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Signs of Autism show as early as infancy, and some Autistics are identified as young. However, many Autistics are adept at hiding (or masking) their differences. Thus, Autism can be easily missed, even into adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autism?
Autism means a different way of experiencing the world. Usually, an Autistic shows differences in their social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. We call Autism a “spectrum” because it varies from person to person. Some individuals with autism might show fewer Autistic traits to the outside world. Others may show many. As Dr. Stephen Shore (an autism advocate who is on the spectrum) said, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Still, Autistic differences commonly show up in these areas:
Communication
Autistic people often communicate differently. This includes differences in verbal speech, such as slower language development and/or repetitive speech (echolalia). Autism also includes differences in nonverbal communication. For example, some Autistic people prefer to look away from others when talking to them. Others struggle to understand people’s tone of voice, body language or other social cues.
Social Interactions
Interacting socially can be complicated. Most neurotypical people expect a back-and-forth exchange (called a “reciprocal” exchange) when they talk to someone. Whereas, an Autistic might be so excited about their interest or a new idea that they want to share everything they know all at once. They may not notice the other person wants to speak. Or, so many thoughts quickly run through their head, that they struggle to express their ideas. This can make interacting in groups especially challenging for Autistics. That being said, some Autistics come across as very talkative and outgoing, and easily converse with others about topics outside of their interests.
Social Relationships
Differences in communication style and social reciprocity affect Autistic people’s social relationships. “Allistics” (non-autistics) may not understand an Autistic person’s intentions, which can lead to miscommunication. Sometimes Autistics have a hard time finding other people who share their interests with the same passion and intensity too. They may need extra support from adults around them to make the social connections they want to make.
Repetitive or Rigid Behaviors
Many Autistics find repetition soothing or enjoyable. They may repeat certain actions, like flapping their hands, rocking, spinning, or even lining up objects or toys. Or, they may repeat a certain word or phrase over and over, or repeat what others say to them. Autistics may use these strategies to calm themselves when stressed, or to express joy or excitement. They may also hesitate to stop what they are doing or change their routines. This makes transitions more challenging.
Restrictive Interests
Some Autistic people hold intense interests in specific topics and become experts in those areas. Or they feel very attached to certain toys, books, shows, characters, objects, or hobbies. While this can seem rigid and inflexible to others, remember that Autistics often strongly prefer their interests over others, and find great joy and comfort in connecting with others through these interests.
Sensory Differences
Many Autistic people feel very sensitive to lights, sounds, textures or tastes. They may not like being touched or hugged, especially when it takes them by surprise. On the other hand, many Autistics find certain sensory experiences very interesting and/or calming, and seek out these sensations. For example, they may ask to be hugged very tightly. Or, they may enjoy watching spinning or sparkly objects, or study small visual details on a toy for a long time before playing with it.
Why test for Autism?
There are many reasons to test for Autism:
Creating Supportive Environments
Supporting someone with autism involves understanding and respecting their unique needs and preferences. As parents, teachers, or providers, being patient, providing clear communication, and creating a structured and predictable environment will help that child thrive.
Access to Resources
Autistic people can access more resources and support if their parents and school know they are Autistic. At Mind Matters, we connect families with local resources that will be helpful to their child.
Building Understanding
Testing also helps parents and caregivers understand their child’s needs better, leading to better communication and connection within the family and community.
Learning to Self-Advocate
Testing can help Autistics understand themselves better too. With that self-awareness, they can ask for what they need more easily, and speak up when they’re being excluded because of Autism.
When do we do Autism Testing?
While Autism can be diagnosed as early as 2 years of age, the process may vary from person to person. Oftentimes, parents, caregivers, and teachers notice potential signs of Autism in a toddler and seek out a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and intervention help improve outcomes and quality of life for Autistic people.
Conversely, some children may receive a diagnosis later, especially if their symptoms are subtle or if they have strong support systems that help them develop coping strategies. But later Autism diagnoses still help, even for older children. Increasingly, many adults are realizing they are Autistic. Understanding this about themselves helps them make sense of their life and set their own goals.
At Mind Matters: we work with children ages 3 and older, adolescents, and young adults. If you seek support for a younger child or older adult, we can point you in the right direction. Just reach out to our Client Care Coordinator for a referral.
How do we test for Autism?
Mind Matters Psychologists believe in a collaborative approach to Autism testing, especially with such a diverse and varied neurodevelopmental profile. Accordingly, reaching out to family members, healthcare professionals, educators, and therapists helps us understand the child from many perspectives. Additionally, this outreach also ensures the team can provide the best support and care to meet the child’s needs. Thus, the process of being evaluated for Autism includes multiple steps:
Interviews
Firstly, interviewing parents, caregivers, and teachers about the child’s development, behavior, communication, and social interactions can shed light on important historical details that cannot be obtained from tests alone.
Observation
Secondly, observing the child’s behavior in various settings (e.g., school, home, community, during testing, etc.) helps us understand how they interact with others, along with their preferences and ways of coping with stress.
Rating Scales
Additionally, asking essential adults involved in the child’s life to complete questionnaires (e.g. developmental screening tools, symptom checklists, adaptive living skills) helps gauge a child’s developmental process as compared to same-age peers. This illuminates concerns (and strengths) related to their development, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning.
Tests
Finally, standardized tests help us understand a person’s cognitive, academic, attention/executive functioning, communication and sensory-motor skills. Comparing a child’s performance to “typical” skills among children their age helps us diagnose autism more accurately. Also, this information helps us consider alternative explanations for a person’s profile. But most importantly, knowing what comes easily to them, and what feels harder helps clinicians figure out what supports are most important, and how their environment might be adapted to better suit their needs.
Medical Examination
Sometimes at the beginning or end of the process, we refer a child back to their pediatrician to find out if medical tests are needed. This can help rule out other health or developmental conditions that might be causing the symptoms.
Behavioral Screenings are for parents of children who are struggling with behavior at home and/or at school. Parents may wonder if their child school environment suits them, or whether internal factors (e.g. attention, language, anxiety) contribute to the behavior.
ADHD Screenings are for parents who are wondering whether their child’s struggles with attention and/or restlessness indicate an underlying condition like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Kindergarten Readiness Screenings are for parents wondering whether their child is ready to begin kindergarten. For example, they may feel their child needs more time or support to develop readiness skills. Likewise, a screening can be particularly helpful for a child with a summer birthday as parents weigh whether to wait another year for kindergarten.
Conclusion About Autism Testing
Remember that autism is a way of experiencing the world, and each individual with autism is unique. Autism doesn’t define a person; it’s just one part of who they are. At the same time, testing for Autism helps us understand that person better, so we can provide the necessary support for them to thrive.
When approached with empathy and respect, autism testing in Berkeley and San Francisco, CA also helps Autistics learn about their strengths and develop talents in various areas that help them reach their goals and live happy lives.
Schedule Autism Testing in San Francisco or Berkeley, CA today!
Is your child a curious explorer, a great problem-solver, or a creative thinker? Uncover their unique cognitive strengths and empower their neurodiversity journey.
- Message our Client Care Coordinator so she can get to know more about you and your child, answer any questions, and help you find the right match. Or, call us at 415-598-8378.
- Explore our services & compassionate psychologists
- Meet with one of our clinicians online, and follow up with neurodiversity affirming Autism testing in San Francisco & Berkeley, CA.
Other Services our Psychologists Offer:
We know that every child’s life experiences are different. That’s why we offer a range of services including psychoeducational evaluations, neurodevelopmental screenings, IQ Testing, and parent guidance consultations to help better support and advocate for your child.