What to Expect in the Assessment Process

Our adult autism assessment is designed to be affirming, accessible, and mindful of outdated deficit-based language.

The process includes:

• Initial Consultation: A brief conversation to answer any questions and determine if an autism assessment with one of our providers is the right fit for you.
• Intake Interview: If your case is a good fit for our practice, we will schedule you for an intake interview that will consist of exploring your current and childhood experiences, discussing why you are pursuing an evaluation at this time, and reviewing your family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will also be screened and assessed for other disorders that may be co-occurring or that may better explain your experiences if other symptom profiles emerge. 
• Your Completion of Validated Self- and Informant-Report Measures: Carefully selected questionnaires to better understand your experiences and personalize your follow-up interview experience. Some will be completed by you; others will be completed by a close friend or family member (if available). 
• Questionnaire Review: The examiner will review your scored screeners and identify appropriate follow-up questions based on your responses. Your screeners will also be used to identify additional facets of your interview and will vary on a case by case basis. 
• Clinical Interview: A structured yet flexible conversation that prioritizes your comfort while exploring core autistic traits through a strengths-based lens. This portion involves gathering information about your developmental history, sensory experiences, relationship history, strong preferences, communication style, and areas of strength and challenge. 
• Feedback Session: A discussion of your results, where we collaboratively explore your profile and provide recommendations tailored to your needs.
• Comprehensive Report: A document summarizing your assessment, insights, and individualized support strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you conduct child autism assessments?

No. Children require a more in-depth evaluation to best identify academic, social, emotional, and behavioral support needs. If you are seeking an autism assessment for your child, we recommend finding a provider who offers comprehensive pediatric evaluations tailored to developmental stage and unique strengths. 

Who should consider an adult autism assessment?
Anyone who resonates with the autistic experience and seeks greater clarity about their neurotype. Many adults pursue an assessment after noticing lifelong patterns, learning about autism through a child or friend, or feeling exhausted from masking. Some individuals have reported being diagnosed with other disorders that do not seem to accurately reflect their understanding of themselves. This assessment offers a validating and comprehensive way to explore whether autism is the best framework for understanding your experiences. Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta offers this service to adults age 19 and up. 

How does anxiety relate to autism?

Traditional anxiety disorders (such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder) may not fully capture how anxiety manifests in autism. Autistic anxiety is often linked to:

• Sensory overload (often results in avoiding, withdrawing, or escaping overwhelming situations)
• Sudden changes in routine or plans
• Social uncertainty or past negative social experiences 
• The pressure to camouflage autistic traits (known as “masking”)
• Difficulty identifying and regulating emotional states (may manifest as feeling disconnected, having “meltdowns,” or becoming non-speaking among other things) 

What does a neuro-affirming assessment mean?
A neuro-affirming assessment views autism as an identity, not a disorder. We focus on your experiences, strengths, and support needs without pathologizing differences or using functioning labels.

Why is “Asperger’s Syndrome” considered outdated and problematic language?

Language plays an important role in how we understand and respect neurodivergent experiences. In the past, some individuals were diagnosed with “Asperger’s syndrome,”  which was a term used to describe a profile of autism associated with strong verbal skills and lower perceived support needs. However, the autism community and the medical field have moved away from this terminology for several important reasons, including:

• Autism Is a Spectrum, Not a Hierarchy. The term “Asperger’s syndrome” was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) in 2013 because research has shown that autism exists on a spectrum. Every autistic person has a unique combination of strengths and challenges, and the old distinctions between “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” were often misleading and invalidating. Many individuals who were previously labeled with Asperger’s still face significant struggles, even if they mask them well. 
• Functioning labels can be harmful. “Asperger’s syndrome” has historically been used to separate those who appear more independent from those who need more visible support. We now understand that support needs can vary across different areas of life and may change over time. We also refrain from categorizing the diagnosis solely based on how disruptive symptoms are to those around the individual. We understand the detrimental impact of masking traits, including exhaustion and burnout. 

Do I need a formal diagnosis?
A formal diagnosis can provide validation, self-understanding, and access to accommodations. However, not everyone finds a formal diagnosis necessary. The assessment process is valuable even if you simply seek deeper self-awareness.

Who will be doing my assessment?

Dr. April Brown, PhD, MPH is currently offering autism evaluations for adults (ages 19 and up) who are verbally fluent. She is a licensed psychologist and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. She is also autistic with ADHD. We recommend reading her profile (CLICK HERE for profile)  to see how her unique perspective might help you feel understood. 

How do I get started?
If you’re ready to explore an adult autism assessment, you can schedule an initial intake interview. You may find the adult screener form >>HERE<<. Specify that you are interested in an adult autism assessment in the “primary goals” section. We look forward to supporting you in this journey with respect and understanding.