Embark on a journey of self-discovery and celebrate your unique identity
Autism Assessments & Psychotherapy
In-Person Assessments in Charlotte & Psychotherapy Online in NC & SC
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often perceived as a condition diagnosed in childhood, but many adults are discovering that ASD can offer insights into their unique challenges and experiences. Understanding autism in adults is crucial for providing the proper support and interventions.
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social interaction, communication, and behavior differences. It's a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects individuals differently. While some adults with autism require significant support, others live independently, often excelling in certain areas.
Key Features of Autism in Adults
Social Communication Challenges: Adults with autism might face difficulties in social situations, such as understanding non-verbal cues, maintaining conversations, or developing and maintaining relationships.
Repetitive Behaviors and Special Interests: Many adults with autism engage in repetitive behaviors or have deep, focused interests. These can range from specific hobbies to intense concentrations in their professional fields.
Sensory Sensitivities: Adults with autism may experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input, which can impact their daily lives and comfort in various environments.
Why Seek a Diagnosis?
For many adults, an autism diagnosis can be a key to self-understanding and acceptance. It helps explain past difficulties, identify strengths, and access support. A diagnosis can also provide a framework for understanding one's experiences and needs.
Our Approach to Assessment and Support
As a neurodivergent-led practice, we offer comprehensive and neuroaffirming assessments for autism. Our approach is empathetic, thorough, and tailored to understand your unique experiences and challenges. The goal is not only to diagnose but also to create a pathway to support and foster self-empowerment.
Whether you've long suspected you might be autistic or are just beginning to explore this possibility, I'm here to help. I am dedicated to offering a safe, understanding environment for your journey towards greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Please note: Sara Wilkerson is the only clinician in the practice who does Autism Assessments. However, all clinicians at SouthPark Psychotherapy specialize and are happy to support the needs of autistic clients.
Adult Autism Assessment: A Compassionate & Comprehensive Approach
Understanding the Process
Embarking on an autism assessment as an adult is a journey of exploration and understanding. As a neurodivergent psychotherapist, my approach is professional and deeply empathetic, shaped by personal experience and attuned to your unique experiences.
Initial Consultation
Our journey begins with an initial consultation. This session allows us to connect and discuss your reasons for seeking an assessment. You can share your concerns, life experiences, and what you hope to gain from this process. It's also a chance to ask questions, understand the assessment process, and become comfortable with the steps ahead.
In-depth Assessment
After our initial meeting, we will engage in a comprehensive assessment process:
Developmental History: Reviewing your early development and childhood experiences to gather insights into your developmental journey.
Current Functioning: Understanding your current social interactions, work or educational functioning, and daily living skills.
Behavioral Observations: Observing and discussing any repetitive actions, routines, or special interests in your daily life.
Sensory Sensitivities: Identifying any sensory preferences or challenges that impact your daily functioning.
Evaluation for Co-occurring Conditions: We'll also consider conditions like ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or depression, which often coexist with autism, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your overall mental health.
Feedback from Close Contacts: With your consent, insights from a close friend or family member can provide additional context to your behaviors and experiences when appropriate.
Feedback and Discussion
Following the assessment, we will have a session to discuss the findings. I will provide you with detailed feedback, explain any diagnoses, and ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the results. This is also a time to process the information, share your thoughts, and ask further questions.
Developing a Support Plan
Regardless of the assessment outcome, the next step is to create a personalized support plan. This plan will focus on areas important to you, such as enhancing social skills, managing sensory sensitivities, or addressing other mental health concerns, to empower you with strategies and tools for improved daily living and well-being.
Tailored Psychotherapy and Support
Following the assessment, I offer psychotherapy and support tailored to your unique needs. As a cognitive behavioral therapist, I integrate a range of therapeutic modalities to provide the most effective support for each individual. This flexible approach allows me to adapt to your specific concerns, whether they involve coping skills for sensory challenges, social concerns, or other areas of difficulty.
I aim to equip you with practical skills and strategies that enhance your daily life and overall well-being. We will work together to develop and refine these skills, ensuring they are aligned with your personal goals and experiences. This collaborative process is about more than just addressing challenges; it's about empowering you to live your life with greater confidence and fulfillment.
Embark on Your Journey of Discovery
Initiating an assessment for autism as an adult marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward greater self-understanding and personal development. As a neurodivergent psychotherapist, I facilitate a supportive, empathetic, and enlightening experience, guiding you toward a profound understanding and appreciation of your unique identity.
The Benefits of Psychotherapy for Autistic Adults
Enhancing Social Skills and Communication
Navigating social interactions can be challenging for many autistic adults. Through therapy, individuals can learn and practice strategies to better understand and interpret social cues, improve verbal and nonverbal communication, and develop more effective ways of expressing themselves. This process helps build more meaningful relationships and boost confidence in social settings.
Emotional Regulation & Stress Management
Managing emotions and stress is another critical area where autism psychotherapy can offer significant benefits. Autistic people may experience difficulties in identifying, processing, and regulating their emotions, leading to increased stress and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help clients develop emotional regulation strategies and stress management techniques.
Building Self-Esteem and Self-Advocacy
Self-esteem and self-advocacy skills play a vital role in autism psychotherapy. Many autistic adults face unique challenges related to self-confidence and self-expression. Psychotherapy provides a safe and supportive environment to explore strengths and build self-esteem. These skills empower individuals to navigate the world more confidently, fostering a sense of self-worth and independence.
Common questions about Autism assessments
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Diagnosing autism in adults requires a thorough and multi-faceted approach, combining various validated tools and measurements. Sara’s methodology includes an in-depth developmental history interview, self-assessments, screeners, and established instruments such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and/or MIGDAS-2, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), and Sensory Profile. This comprehensive process ensures an accurate diagnosis by evaluating an individual's developmental history, current functioning, social interactions, and specific behavioral patterns tailored to each person's unique experiences and challenges.
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What distinguishes Sara’s approach to autism assessments is her multifaceted perspective as a neurodivergent psychotherapist and parent. As a clinician, she offers a personalized and empathetic experience that integrates her professional expertise with lived experiences as a neurodivergent individual and parent to two neurodivergent children.
Sara’s background allows her to deeply understand the complexities and strengths of autistic people. This insight enables her to provide assessments that are not only clinically rigorous but also compassionate and relatable. Sara is committed to tailoring each assessment to the individual, ensuring that your experience is respectful, supportive, and aligned with your unique needs and challenges.
When you choose SouthPark Psychotherapy, you're selecting a practice offering a unique perspective and an unwavering commitment to your well-being beyond conventional assessments. We are committed to guiding you toward self-awareness and personal growth.
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As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor specializing in neurodiversity, Sara’s approach to autism assessments is shaped by a rich blend of clinical experience and a deep commitment to ongoing education.
Educational Background: Sara’s foundation in this field is built on a solid educational background, complemented by advanced training from esteemed institutions. She’s undertaken rigorous programs at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Harvard Medical School, focusing on Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychiatry for Clinicians, and Clinical Care for Autistic Adults. This education has broadened her theoretical understanding and sharpened her practical skills in handling complex cases.
Clinical Experience: Throughout Sara’s career, she’s embraced diverse roles that have significantly deepened her understanding of mental health. Sara’s experience ranges from working as a psychotherapist in a high-pressure mental health emergency department, aiding both children and adults in crisis, to providing specialized care in inpatient settings for adults grappling with severe mental health issues, including psychosis and schizophrenia. Additionally, Sara was a lead psychotherapist on a spinal cord injury unit at a top-ranked rehabilitation hospital in the U.S. These varied roles have allowed her to work closely with neurodivergent individuals across different stages of life, enhancing her practical insights and empathy.
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Currently, Sara Wilkerson is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna for psychological assessments with medical justification. Unfortunately, she cannot accept other insurance providers for evaluations at this time.
As a neurodivergent led practice and proponents of affordable healthcare, we are committed to ensuring that assessments remain affordable for clients. Autism assessments are also available on a private pay basis. The cost for an autism assessment at SouthPark Psychotherapy as of 1/1/2025 is $1100. It's important to note that the autism assessment process, including follow-up sessions, is a comprehensive endeavor that requires several hours of dedicated work. While we acknowledge the cost of an autism assessment is an investment for clients, we strive to make it as accessible as possible.