How Do You Get Diagnosed with Autism or ADHD as an Adult?
If you’ve been wondering whether you might be autistic or have ADHD, you may have already tried to figure it out on your own. Maybe you’ve spoken to your primary care provider, who didn’t quite seem to understand why you would even feel like it would be helpful to know this about yourself. Maybe you’ve felt misunderstood, dismissed, or not even believed.
The process can feel unclear—but it doesn’t have to be. There are more and more virtual options for ADHD or autism evaluations for adults that are trusted and reputable and conducted by highly trained psychologists. And the truth is, as an adult, you may not even have to leave the comfort of your own home to be assessed. In fact, more providers are realizing that when a client feels comfortable and safe (think: virtual assessment in your own home!) evaluation results are even more accurate and reflective of a person’s true characteristics and functioning.
Step 1: Recognize the Patterns
Most adults who pursue an evaluation have been noticing patterns for a long time, such as:
ongoing difficulty with focus, organization, or follow-through
feeling socially out of sync or easily drained by interaction
sensory sensitivities
burnout from trying to keep up with daily demands
You don’t need to be certain before taking the next step—just curious enough to explore.
Step 2: Find the Right Type of Provider
Not all providers are trained and experienced in evaluating autism or ADHD in adults. Until recently, most graduate school training programs only focused on assessing children who were not meeting developmental milestones, or who has received feedback from teachers that they were having difficulty meeting expectations in school.
You’ll want to look for someone who specializes in:
high-masking or late-identified presentations
This is especially important because adult presentations can look very different from childhood stereotypes. Check out this article on why autism diagnoses in adults can often be missed.
Step 3: Schedule a Consultation
Most providers start with a brief consultation.
This gives you a chance to:
ask questions
share what you’ve been noticing
determine what kind of evaluation makes sense (autism, adhd, or an evaluation that looks at both).
It’s also an opportunity to see if the provider you’re speaking with feels like a good fit.
Step 4: Complete the Evaluation
A comprehensive adult evaluation typically includes:
a detailed clinical and developmental interview
standardized questionnaires (that only a licensed psychologist can administer and interpret)
exploration of sensory, social, and executive functioning patterns
consideration of other factors such as anxiety
an option to invite a friend or family member to provide feedback (helpful but not mandatory)
Step 5: Receive Results and Next Steps
After the evaluation, you’ll receive:
diagnostic clarity
a clear explanation of your profile
personalized recommendations and. plan for your next steps
For many people, this is the first time their experiences fully make sense.
Can You Get Diagnosed Online?
In many cases, yes.
Through PSYPACT, licensed psychologists can provide telehealth evaluations across participating states, making it easier to access specialized care even if there isn’t a provider near you.
Why Many Adults Choose Private-Pay Evaluations
Many adults choose private-pay because it allows for:
a more comprehensive and individualized process
greater privacy (your diagnosis is not tied to your insurance or your medical record unless you choose that path)
more flexibility in how the evaluation is conducted, so your chosen psychologist can determine the best practices and most effective tests in your case, without pressure from the insurance company
What If You’re Still Not Sure?
You don’t need to have a clear answer before reaching out for an initial consultation.
Many people begin with uncertainty—that’s part of the process. Take your time. Think it over. Make sure you feel comfortable with the psychologist who will be completing your evaluation. Chances are you’ll be spending about 4-5 hours with this person, so make sure they feel right to you! Choose someone who listens carefully to you, understands you, and respects your questions and needs.
Taking the First Step
A brief 15-minute consultation is often the easiest place to start.
It gives you space to ask questions, talk through your concerns, and decide whether this feels like the right next step.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Dr. Stephanie Palmer is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Austin, Texas, specializing in neurodiversity-affirming autism and ADHD evaluations for adults. She sees clients in person in the Austin area and via telehealth across 43 PSYPACT-member states. Learn more at stephanie-palmer-phd.com.
For more information, please contact me here for a brief consultation to see which services may be right for you.
