Adult Autism – Evaluations & Treatment

What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are developmental disorders that can manifest in various ways. As the name implies, individuals with Autism fall along a spectrum, and symptoms (and their severity), vary greatly from one individual to the next.

• Typical signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders in adults include persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction.
• Deficits may affect individuals in various contexts. For example, socially, occupationally, academically, emotionally and even romantically.
• Many do not realize that all individuals (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder), continue to develop long past childhood, and the specific difficulties that Autism can cause the individual, may therefore change over time.

Why Would Someone be Evaluated and Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as an Adult?  

Individuals with Autism begin to display symptoms in early development (often around 2-3 years of age). However, for various reasons, some may not be evaluated for this condition, or may not receive a diagnosis, until adulthood.

Some may simply grow up in a household or academic environment where there is limited knowledge about Autism. Others may have mild symptoms or high intelligence, which may delay their diagnosis. Some individuals may not realize that they have a vulnerability, until their life demands hit a threshold, where their symptoms become problematic. Starting high school, college, a new job, or a family, may cause one’s demands to hit this threshold.

Example 1: A 30 year old male who has always excelled at computer coding, finds himself at risk of losing his job, after a promotion that included team management. He suffers from extreme anxiety and stress related to meetings with colleagues, and has difficulty understanding and navigating conflicts and disagreements between co-workers. The stress causes him to ask for a demotion, despite a significant loss of income.

Example 2: A 19 year old female with a very supportive (and structured) family, starts their freshman year of college at a university away from home. With limited structure, she finds herself staying up through the night most nights, researching very specific interests online (not related to her academics), she has difficulty connecting with fellow students (causing low mood and further isolation), and ultimately she is at risk of failing out of school due to (initially) sleeping through and (later) avoiding all classes.

How Common is Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Adults?

Approximately 1-2 % of adults meet criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What are Additional Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults?

Additional symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults may include:

• Difficulty understanding and reading social cues, making eye contact, or initiating social interactions
• A narrow set of interests, often with hyper-fixation on one or two topics
• Difficulty relating to others, and difficulty with making friends and dating
• A flat effect in typically emotional situations
• Difficulty managing emotions: May have intense outbursts of emotions that may be inappropriate
• Preference to adhere to strict routines
• Sensory difficulties: Difficulties with sensitivity to light, touch, sounds and smells, that can interfere with social, personal and occupational function.
• Sleep difficulties
• Difficulties working with fellow students or colleagues
• Difficulty bonding with partner

When Should I get an Evaluation for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism as an Adult?

We recommend that individuals schedule a psychiatric evaluation if they experience significant emotional, occupational (work), academic (school) or relationship stress from their symptoms.

• It is additionally not uncommon for adults with Autism to have co-occurring psychiatric conditions (such as anxiety, depression and ADHD), that may be interfering with their emotional well-being, and worsening their symptoms. These conditions are treatable medical conditions, and may benefit from psychotherapy and/or medication management.

Can you tell me more about your Evaluations for Adult Autism?

Please click here, for information on formal neuropsychological testing (including ADOS testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder), at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates.

Do You Offer Both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for Adults with Autism?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments. With that said, formal neuropsychological testing may require an in-office session. Call for information.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for an Autism Evaluation for Adults and Psychiatric Treatment?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our providers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and we have several licensed and doctoral level therapists and psychologists. We are experienced in working with individuals who struggle with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions.

• Licensed Therapists and Doctoral Level Psychologists
• Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments
• Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Providers who are welcoming to all individuals.